Mild Rebuke For Child "beggar"?

[fxm88]

More than a few times while walking around a country village I've had a child hold out his hand and ask for 5 baht. The child is a normal village child, usually a boy, possibly with friends, possibly he thinks he is making a joke. But I don't think it's something he should be saying and I would like to reply with some mild rebuke. I wouldn't want to call him "poor" cause very likely he is poor. Any suggestions?

Thanks

[lorilei.lee]

Beggar children asking for money is not that unusual. I'd suggest going about your business with only a brief turndown similar to what you'd give a bum on the streets, if not just down right ignoring them. Don't give them any money though, otherwise they'll swarm you and not leave you alone. You reprimanding them won't change their behaviour.