Hiding stuff from my teenagers!

[mizfiesta]

I would like to purchase a security box of some kind with a lock to store my make-up and perfume and other personal items. I have two teenage daughters who are always using my stuff. Everytime I go to put my hand on something it's either half empty or missing! I was thinking of buying a vanity case with a combination lock but was wondering if any of you have any other ideas of something similar I could purchase that wouldn't cost me the earth?! I am sick of hiding my things around the house as they always find them! No parental advice please! They're teenagers and that's what they do! I get that at least! Thanks in advance.

[B00]

Oh you've got my sympathy, been there!

Argos do safes- might be worth thinking about?

http://www.argos.co.uk/webapp/wcs/stores/servl et/Search?storeId=10001&langId=-1&categoryName =category_root&subCategoryName=Garden,%20DIY%2 0and%20leisure&category=8962912&freeText=SAFE& prodPage=10&info_browse_level=1&sort_field=Hig hest%20price&info_catcount=7

[Josyjo]

I have daughters also, so share your pain. Have you tried hiding all your belongings in the same cupboard as you keep the cleaning stuff?

Along the same lines, I hide my chocolate in the vegetable drawer of the fridge.... Been six months, and they haven't sussed it yet!

[carrust]

I used to hide choccy biscuits, sweets etc from my teenage son under the Hoover! He never found them!

[CheekyChops]

You can but cash tins in various sizes from office suppliers and stationers - they are all lockable.

[CheekyChops]

Oops - *buy*

[carrust]

It could be cheaper putting a lock on your bedroom door?

[mrs_overall]

I've seen those small combination locks on sale for about �1 in shops. Have a look around your house and see if you have an existing bag you could use in conjunction with a lock. If not, I'd suggest either a cheap vanity case or a cheap, small holdall.
My teenage daughter is now at the age where I can turn the tables and "borrow" her stuff. Oh, revenge is sweet!

[MarzipanQ]

I just had a lock put into my bedroom door - cheap & effective. Also put the phone in there as I was fed up of having a heart attack when the bill came. And before anyone screams "Emergency" at me there was a pay as u go mobile for just that purpose on the hall table.

[andy-hughes]

I know you said 'no parental advice' - but i can't resist a response to your observation - 'They're teenagers and trhat's what they do!'

Having raised three girls - the youngest of which is eighteen, I don;t agree that this behaviour is either excused or acceptable by virtue of age - as though it is some sort of rite of passage over which you have no control.

None of my girls helped themselves to things without asking because they were taught from a young age to respect the privacy and posessions of each other, and people around them.

That looks really sanctimonious in print, but the fact is, the family is a microcosm of the world outside. From whom else are your girls going to learn to respect others and their right to privaccy, if not from you.

By avoiding this issue, you are simply inferring that their behaviour is perfectly acceptable, a nuisance, but easily solved by simply side-stepping your responsibilities as a parent.

Sit your daughters down and have a chat about how they would feel if their posessions were pilfered in this way, and ask them to stop it. If they persist, then instigate a level of punishment until they accept that helping themselves is not going to continue.

It's a better solution for your daughters as maturing young adults, and for you, as the head of the family, and example for them to learn.

[what..the?]

A big plastic tool box, they are often lockable and have handy little compartments for stuff like makeup, jewellery.

[hundreddolla]

No parental advice? Ok then just the facts then. Your daughters are thieves.

[eyebrows]

why dont you buy them whatever they keep stealing for themselvs....

[B00]

Bit harsh that innit $100? With the possible exception of Andy's daughters, they all "borrow" things. You got children yourself?

[mizfiesta]

'BOO' my thoughts exactly. And what about that comment by 'hundreddolla'!!!! Oh my gawd!!! I just pity the offspring! Don't you all think that comment was absolutely uncalled for?! You do get 'em on this eh?! There was no need for that though.

[katerich48]

I had a teenage daughter (grown up now with her own family) and all I can say is I wish I thought of getting a locked box to hide my make-up....