Originally Posted By: Johnny2Bad
The $40 was for a specific purpose.
As it turns out, it was not spent for that purpose.
It should then go back to the household kitty.
Taking into consideration children's concept of fairness, that is probably not going to go over well, because you probably failed to explain properly what the $40 was for when you gave it to him. So, when you DO explain it to him this time, you will probably have to piece him off for something.
Maybe $10 cash, maybe some other form of compensation. Note that I did not say "reward" as he did nothing to be rewarded for, except perhaps not lying about the $40, which is expected and therefore not rewardable.
Next time, handle the situation better ... explain what money you give him is for, and what is expected if he doesn't use it for that purpose (which is to hand it over ... ALL of it).
If you actually did explain to him what the money is for, I don't understand why you're asking. He should already understand that he has to give all of it back to you. If he doesn't, or expects a reward for doing nothing, there is something else wrong with the way you are teaching your children responsibility.
Determine what that is and correct your behaviour, while you still can teach him proper behaviour. Fail to do so means you have failed to prepare your child for life when you are not there to coddle him.
This is really no different from handing him a $50 to go to the store and buy eggs ... he doesn't get to keep the change.
The boy doesn't care about the money at all, the discussion was between my wife and I on the principle . I see a few responses didn't quite get the situation. The boy is 14, already has a car, big computer, ipad, straight "A's", boy scout and excellent manners. He really has no desire for "things".