As the eldest of three siblings, I often felt secure about my belongings simply because I was a girl. However, there were still a few prized possessions I had to keep a close eye on. I remember eagerly anticipating adulthood, thinking it would free me from the constant worry of my brothers swiping my things without asking. Little did I realize, they were only a warm-up for the real challenge ahead. Since my daughter hit toddlerhood, I’ve lost countless items around the house, and it drives me absolutely bonkers. I genuinely believe I’m raising them with good values, but somehow, my kids have turned into little kleptomaniacs! Their intentions may be innocent, but it’s still infuriating. If you’re a fellow parent, you might find that certain items are consistently “borrowed” by our tiny thieves. Here’s a list of the most commonly pilfered items—see if any resonate with you. And feel free to share any odd items your kids have taken!
- Lip Balm: Just recently, I bought a shiny new lip balm to keep by my nightstand. It hit me that I’ve probably replaced at least 20 lip balms in the last year alone, all thanks to my kids. This morning, I found my latest one in my son’s room—completely wrecked. What is it about lip balm that fascinates children so much?
- Notebooks and Pens: I can’t tell you how many grocery lists I’ve had to scribble on the backs of receipts! Every time I buy a new notepad—whether from a charity or an actual store—my kids inevitably turn it into their personal doodle pad. I’ve even resorted to writing lists on a panty liner. Seriously.
- Chewing Gum: I try to keep my gum stash hidden because my kids are obsessed with it. The other day, I secretly popped a piece into my mouth, hoping they wouldn’t hear the crinkle of the wrapper. Within seconds, my son exclaimed, “MOMMY…I smell mint! Do you have gum?” Oh for crying out loud, can’t I just enjoy my gum in peace?
- Adhesive Tape: The last time I saw a roll of tape in our house was ages ago! My kids seem to have an unending need for tape, and whenever I bring some home, it mysteriously disappears to who knows where. Why do they need it so badly?
- Smartphones: At least I have the security of a fingerprint lock and a passcode, so they can’t use my phone, but they still manage to sneak off with it to play pretend. I know I can’t be the only parent dealing with this—a kid’s fascination with smartphones is universal.
- Cushions and Pillows: Kids love to take pillows from every corner of the house, whether for fort-building, pillow fights, or making their own cozy nests. I can’t count how many times I’ve searched for my favorite pillow only to find it crammed in the corner of my daughter’s room, surrounded by dolls.
- Beauty Products: Just the other day, I kissed my kids goodbye at the bus stop and noticed they smelled oddly familiar. Turns out, they had raided my new lotion! And my son recently dumped half a bottle of shampoo, mixing it with his kiddie body wash. The result? My hair felt like straw—thanks for that!
- Loose Change: I can never find spare change for vending machines because my kids hoard it in their piggy banks. Sure, I tell them not to take my money, but there’s only so much scolding I can dish out in a day. No paper bills yet, so I guess this one is a minor offense.
- Snacks: For once, I’d love to have a snack all to myself! My granola bars seem to vanish into thin air, leaving me lucky to snag even one.
- Bras: Maybe this is just my kids, but I often find my bras in their rooms. Perhaps they use them for some imaginative play? Who knows! If you spot a woman in Target around 5’3″ with a resigned look, just give her a sympathetic nod and move along.
This article originally appeared on our blog. For more insights into parenting challenges, you can explore additional topics such as boosting fertility supplements and pregnancy symptoms through trusted sources like Make A Mom and Intracervical Insemination. For a deeper understanding of reproductive options, check out this resource on in vitro fertilization.
Summary
Parenting often comes with the humorous challenge of kids “borrowing” our belongings, from lip balm to pillows. While their intentions are innocent, the frequency of these little thefts can drive any parent a bit crazy. From hidden snacks to pilfered change, it’s a universal experience for mothers to navigate the whims of their children’s fascination with their things.