Ok how do I handle when I just made a honest mistake and in front of my kids?

[Anonymous]

We just were at a sporting good store and I bought a bunch of items and was in between sunglasses for my husband for Father’s Day and was holding multiple in my hand to show kids so we could decide on one. I paid for over $100 worth of items, packed car up and just drove 45 minutes home. When I unpacked, I realized I had another pair that I must have been holding and didn’t pay for! What do I do? I feel terrible but I can’t go back right now as by time I get back there, they will be closed for evening. Do I call them right now and tell them I will drop them off this week but own up to my mistake and tell them what happened? Dh says that is weird and just that next time we are there (we go every few days), just run them back in. I feel terrible and also want kids to see I handled this to best I could.

[Anonymous]

Could you call and have them charge your credit card. If you make it back to return them great. If not, you paid. You also show your kids how to promptly resolve the issue.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Could you call and have them charge your credit card. If you make it back to return them great. If not, you paid. You also show your kids how to promptly resolve the issue.

Good idea. Or call and ask them.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Could you call and have them charge your credit card. If you make it back to return them great. If not, you paid. You also show your kids how to promptly resolve the issue.

Good idea. Or call and ask them.

Agree. But I wouldn’t put it off until later since the kids know. Let them see you call.

[Anonymous]

Who goes to a sporting goods store every few days?

Why is this too hard for you to figure out? You even bounced it off your husband but you're looking for more feedback?

[Anonymous]

Just return them tomorrow.

[Anonymous]

I would either call and buy them over phone or return in next 2 days so your kids can see you do this.

[Anonymous]

Make sure you also mention that it's likely no one challenged you because of what you look like (middle-aged lady with kids in tow, presumably white and/or prosperous). Point out that if you had been a teenager (esp with friends) or a POC, things might have gone very differently, even if it was an honest mistake.

I had an incident recently where my mistake was clearly chalked up to "ditzy older mom." I had DC with me and we talked about what would have happened if it had been him and his teen buddies instead.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Just return them tomorrow.

+ 1 Not complicated. Be sure to explain that to your kids.

[Anonymous]

I would just go with what dh said and go out of your way to return them and bring your kids. What can they really do by you calling? I recognize though it may make you feel better by calling.

[Anonymous]

I feel for you OP. This happened to me earlier this year and I returned with my kid a few days later. It happens.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote: Make sure you also mention that it's likely no one challenged you because of what you look like (middle-aged lady with kids in tow, presumably white and/or prosperous). Point out that if you had been a teenager (esp with friends) or a POC, things might have gone very differently, even if it was an honest mistake.

I had an incident recently where my mistake was clearly chalked up to "ditzy older mom." I had DC with me and we talked about what would have happened if it had been him and his teen buddies instead.

Op, just call them tomorrow and return them. No big deal.

[Anonymous]

Call, leave a message if they don't pick up, go in tomorrow (vs waiting until your next visit).

[Anonymous]

Well, if you haven't blabbed to your kids about it, don't. Just fix it however seems reasonable.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Who goes to a sporting goods store every few days?

Why is this too hard for you to figure out? You even bounced it off your husband but you're looking for more feedback?

Not OP but we go at least twice a week