I was watching a boy of about 12 yesterday, he came out of the village shop with a family bag of sweets. I noticed him because he was looking guilty!! I thought at first he'd stolen the sweets but he wasn't trying to run away so ruled that out - what he was doing though would've impressed an illusionist!
His mother was on the other side of the road and had obviously unexpectedly got out of her car to watch him cross the road. This lad had a big school bag on his back and was trying, with one hand, to undo it, pop the sweets in the bag, wave at his mother nonchalantly and smile like butter wouldn't melt!!
The bag opening was to high for him to reach so he was almost bent doubled backwards. Then a small miracle happened - the bus went past, thus blocking mothers view - he slipped past me (using my car as a further view blocker) and then shoved the contraband in his bag!!
I felt really strange about this event - is his mother so strict he has to hide sweets? Where has he got the money from - is it his lunch money? I though it was really sad although it is normal for kids to hide/steal food - but what if this was the start of even bigger problems.
I used to pinch the crust off the loaf and spend money on a chip shop tea at any opportunity. Even now, I will grab a sly piece of bread and the only person I'm stealing from is me!!!
These are just my thoughts, I'm putting them out there for you guys to ponder