Yeah, but you are 60 and your stepson, 10.
He is bargaining. Up front. Not secretive. I am not saying this is behavior that should be endorsed. Nor should it be punished. Of course this kind of barter should not be accepted, especially with regards to therapy. But it is in your son's interests to disclose to the therapist. I am glad he put it on the table.
There are stages of morality. At 10, a kid at the first stage, most likely, possibly 2nd. His capacity to understand manipulation the way you do is non-existent.
While we need to show our kids what morality is by our own behavior and explanation, it seems counterproductive to judge a child based on standards he cannot understand, let alone meet.
