Life on the Road

Last week Nick rode his bike to the bus stop on Wednesday, put the bike on the bus’ rack, and rode the bus up to school (almost 10 miles)….  

Then got off and went about his business. 

Yep, he left the bike on the bus. 

<sigh> 

I didn’t find this out until he showed up at home after walking the 2+ miles home from the bus stop after school.

I called the transit folks, and was eventually directed to the bus parking yard…  But it wasn’t there.  Apparently it got swiped during the day (as you might expect). 

Not just the (nearly new!) bike, but the add-on lights, comfy seat, fenders, etc., etc. 

Grrrr…

So how much do you hold a child accountable for things?

Sure, “accidents happen.” 

But for some people, “accidents” are actually the norm, and being responsible is the exception. 

And by the time someone is 14, and in High School, is one not supposed to begin taking responsibility for one’s actions?  Beginning a transition into self-sufficiency?

What is a viable consequence, though? 

It’s not as though he has a job and can buy a replacement.

So far he’s walking home from the bus stop most days. 

But I can’t see making him walk that far, in the dark, getting up that much earlier in the morning… So I have to get the little ones up and drive him there at 6 am. 

The kids (and I) are the ones who are suffering the consequences of his negligence, which hardly seems right…