I think MB and DB might suspect me of stealing.

[Anonymous]

I've been with my NF for 2 years, they're kids are older and don't really need a nanny, more like a homework helper and someone to drive them around to their activities. The boy misbehaves pretty often, and I know they've had behavior problems with him at home and at school. MB and DB leave money for me to buy groceries at least once a week, usually $30-$40. I always leave the receipt with the change.
Recently, they have brought up $10 or $20 that they left on the counter that is not there anymore, and they ask me if used it for some groceries, but I never take money unless they specify they want me to buy groceries. They usually say okay and then question their son, but say "He has his own money so he doesn't need to take what's on the counter." Today, DB texted me and asked me about some money he left in the kitchen and $20 is missing, he said they suspect it might be the kid and he's just asking me to make sure I didn't use it for groceries.
I explained to him I only use grocery money that they leave specifically and never touch any other random money or change that is laying around, I feel like they might suspect that it's me taking the money and that makes me feel horrible and really uncomfortable! I would never steal someone else's money!

[Anonymous]

It sounds like they're pretty sure it's their son, but are hoping there's an innocent explanation so they look for it, however unlikely. I wouldn't take it personally.

[Anonymous]

Maybe you should suggest a different method of dealing with grocery money... And then they quit leaving cash out.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:It sounds like they're pretty sure it's their son, but are hoping there's an innocent explanation so they look for it, however unlikely. I wouldn't take it personally.

+1
I think they don't suspect you (seriously, $20?), but need to decide if they should teach their son a lesson.

BTW: one of my previous nannies apparently thought that I was accusing her of stealing DD's socks, when I innocently was asking her whether she had seen them, 'cause we had way too many single socks

[Anonymous]

OP here, thanks for the responses! It was just making me uneasy that they had questioned me several time in the past month or so after I told them I never took any extra money. Thanks everyone!

[Anonymous]

Tell them to leave you a gift card that they can track purchases online. Most visa and Amex allow you to do this. I would insist because you don't want to be held responsible for any missing money. As a parent I'd probably put a hidden camera right where the money is left to catch the thief.

[Anonymous]

Sounds to me like they think it's the son, but maybe don't want to fully admit it . Perhaps a little bit of denial.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I've been with my NF for 2 years, they're kids are older and don't really need a nanny, more like a homework helper and someone to drive them around to their activities. The boy misbehaves pretty often, and I know they've had behavior problems with him at home and at school. MB and DB leave money for me to buy groceries at least once a week, usually $30-$40. I always leave the receipt with the change.
Recently, they have brought up $10 or $20 that they left on the counter that is not there anymore, and they ask me if used it for some groceries, but I never take money unless they specify they want me to buy groceries. They usually say okay and then question their son, but say "He has his own money so he doesn't need to take what's on the counter." Today, DB texted me and asked me about some money he left in the kitchen and $20 is missing, he said they suspect it might be the kid and he's just asking me to make sure I didn't use it for groceries.
I explained to him I only use grocery money that they leave specifically and never touch any other random money or change that is laying around, I feel like they might suspect that it's me taking the money and that makes me feel horrible and really uncomfortable! I would never steal someone else's money!

You have be carefull,maybe this is just excuse to kick you ass,some family do that...

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Tell them to leave you a gift card that they can track purchases online. Most visa and Amex allow you to do this. I would insist because you don't want to be held responsible for any missing money. As a parent I'd probably put a hidden camera right where the money is left to catch the thief.

Yup. Prepaid card for the specific grocery store is better. Easy for parents to reload, and you can still leave receipts to make it easy to track at a glance.

[Anonymous]

FWIW, I am a reformed thief. There are different types of thievery. I tell you this not so much for you, OP, but for the parents of the boy who (let's face it) is stealing. Some people steal out of necessity. Like homeless people stealing bread. However, most kids (especially those above being Poor) steal for one of these three reasons:

1. To impress others/peer pressure/dared to do it
2. Crime of opportunity (this is probably this particular boy's issue - he just can't resist)
3. Feeling out of control in their lives (more common in females than males)

The parents need to stop leaving money around the house. The son can't resist - it's like an impulse control issue.