I just read a post about two kids, 11 and 13, stealing food

 


A Reader Asks (or, rather, vents):

"I just read a post about two kids, 11 and 13, stealing food (not candy—actual food) from a local shop while their mom waited outside. A witness told the staff, but they didn’t intervene, and the kids left with the food. This sparked a rant in a local group. At first, I thought, ‘How awful!’ But then I started thinking—what if stealing food was their only way to eat that day? We’re so quick to judge without knowing someone’s story. It makes me wonder where our compassion has gone. Why do we immediately judge instead of coming together as a community to help? I feel so torn."

The Answer:

First of all, hats off to you for pausing to reflect. That’s already more than 90% of us do when we read something upsetting online. So let’s unpack this thoughtfully—and maybe with a pinch of humor to balance the heavy.

1. The Gut Reaction: “How Dare They!”

Yeah, the knee-jerk response is easy: “Stealing is wrong, full stop!” But is it really that black and white when kids are involved? Probably not. If we’re talking about food—not frivolous items—it’s a sign that something deeper is going on. Hunger, desperation, or maybe just a family struggling with overwhelming circumstances.

2. The Compassion Flip: What’s Their Story?

This is where your brain went next, and rightly so. What if that mom outside the shop is doing everything she can, but it’s not enough? What if her choice was to send her kids in for food or let them go hungry another day? It’s not right, but it’s understandable in a world where so many families are being crushed by rising costs.

And honestly, aren’t you kind of glad the shop staff didn’t chase after them like they were masterminds of an international heist?

3. The Village Mentality: Where Did It Go?

You hit the nail on the head. We’ve become a society that’s quick to point fingers but slow to extend a hand. Once upon a time, it was normal for a community to rally around struggling families. Now, we whip out our phones and start typing rants. That’s not to say we should encourage theft, but maybe the solution is a little less public outrage and a little more, “How can we help?”

4. Here’s the Thing: Judging is Easy, Helping is Hard

It’s not about condoning what happened—it’s about understanding that desperation leads people to make choices they wouldn’t otherwise consider. As a community, the real challenge isn’t calling out bad behavior; it’s stepping up to address the underlying issues.

So, what can you do?

  • Instead of feeling helpless, consider donating to local food banks or charities.
  • If there’s a community Facebook group, post about resources for families in need.
  • Or just remind people that not every story fits in a social media comment box.

A Little Perspective for the Road

Kids stealing food sucks. So does a world where kids feel they need to steal food.

Books to Rekindle Your Faith in Humanity (or at Least Offer Some Insight):


  1. “The Kindness Diaries” by Leon Logothetis     – Proof that kindness can change lives.

  2. “Evicted: Poverty and Profit in the American City” by Matthew Desmond     – A deeper look at the struggles of low-income families.


Maybe we should just tell the kids that the next time they’re in dire straits, they should grab ice cream. At least then the gossipers will have something sweet to chew on.

Worth a shot? 🍦

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