Petit Theft

Every child that is born into a family is unique. They have their own personalities, likes, dislikes, and their quirks. However, they often share similar experiences or make the same mistakes/choices.
This past Thursday, after enjoying a lovely day at the Wheeler Farm, we ran some errands. One of them was taking a trip to Home Depot. I got what I needed...a board to make a headboard for my bedroom and a plunger...for you know what. As we were at the checkout counter I noticed Maya had a container of Bubble Gum Tape. I told her to put it back that we were not purchasing it. Then, we headed to the car. It was a windy day and we barely were able to put the board in without breaking it. As I was getting Maya in her seat, I noticed in her hand a small pencil cap looking candy that was still in its wrap.
I asked her: "Where did you get this candy?"
Her response: None.
"Did you get this candy from the store?"
She looks at me on the face and says, "no."
Arden's response: "Mom, she took it from the store!"
So, we get out of the car and back inside the store. The cashier who attended us was busy, so we went to another cashier...a male cashier at the contractors/big orders section...I wanted her to feel a bit intimidated.
As we are in the line waiting, I tell her, "You'll need to give it back. We don't steal." Then, I notice I might have cut in front of this gentleman. I asked him if he was in line. He said he was, but this (as he points to Maya) was more important. It's our turn...
The cashier asks me what he can do for me. "I believe we have a small petit theft incident that needs to be addressed. And may be we could look a bit stern..." I tell him this as I point down to Mayita who is invisible behind the counter. The cashier smiles and gets it right away. He steps from behind the counter and looks at Mayita.
"Did you take something from the store?" he asks. But she doesn't respond.
We continue the conversation, "it's not okay to take things from the store without paying for it, etc."
I have Maya hand back the candy and I ask her if she can say sorry to him. She doesn't, but she looks very serious and I can tell she is aware that she has done something wrong.
The cashier thanks her for bringing back the candy and tells her to not do it again. Maya still looks very serious.
As we are walking out of that section I notice the older gentleman sitting back on the bench watching this whole event...I briefly think, he needs some popcorn to enjoy the show. I smile at him and he says, "They need to learn these lessons at an early age, otherwise it might be too late."
Although I don't want my children to be thieves, I do appreciate these moments when 1. There is an opportunity to teach them a life lesson.
2. I take advantage of it.
3. I don't overreact, but still can get the point across.
4. I notice the crime has been committed right away and not when we are almost home and need drive back to the store.
As we were getting back in the car Arden tells Maya, "It's not okay to steal, you can go to jail."
"That's right Arden. I'm glad you know this. I don't think you remember, but a long time ago you stole something..."
"Oh, I remember mom."
That was about 3 yrs. ago, and the lesson is still ingrained in his head...although, I did overreact that time. And this time, I forgot the plunger at the store.