My kids are way younger, so they are not able to work, as they are in preschool still.
But, your son is at an age he is not old enough to be an adult and old enough not to be a child. It is a complicated time...
Given the fact he is not even 18, I would have a talk with him and give him some boundaries. I am guessing but from your post I do not recall that he is still in school, so if he is not in school I would give him some deadlines...
1. If he is not in school and taking classes, he should start making a contribution to the household from the time he turns 18. I would start with his phone. His excuse is lame at best. So I would put him on notice that he is to take care of his phone bill starting from the first bill after he turns 18. I would have a talk with him where I would reiterate my love for him and that he is becoming a man, and a big part of him being a man is being able to take care of himself. What if he had a family? A young child? Perhaps this would be the kick in the pants he needs to realize an education is important or he will realize that a minimum pay job flipping burgers or busing tables will be his reality. I would not mention him stealing money, but time for some tough love is nigh. In essence time to DB him some...
