book bags.. pocketbooks.. wallets.. or rooms...to make sure they are not hiding things

Nope. My son knows this is an option but I would never exercise it unless I strongly felt there was a compelling need to. And even that would be a last resort. He is entitled to his privacy, as is anyone.

I feel the same way..I have never gone through their stuff...and have been frowned upon for not doing so...my kids have never given me a moments grief and I think that it would be abusing my authority to search their stuff...

I did however find an empty condom wrapper on my sons floor one time...after I had been away for a weekend...but at least he was being careful..and he was 18 at the time...so my only thought was darn he is getting more action then me...

Due to my son's mental illness it's necessary for me to go thru his things on a regular basis. The way I see it he's only 10 an besides that as long as he's livin under my roof, he has no right to privacy.

I haven't felt the need to do that yet.

The only time I went through his stuff was when he was at college and had asked me to send him certain items. I came across his "Sex for Dummies" book. After determining that it was indeed for dummies, I did the sensible motherly thing: I shipped it to him....packed right beside his Bible, laughing all the way.

"No rights" At least he has his thoughts to himself....

No

Only if there's a really good reason!

My daughters and I have never had a breach of trust, or any suspicions that would cause me to search the belongings.

We are blessed.