Why do kids start stealing

Children may steal because:. Children who frequently steal tend to exhibit the following characteristics: impulsivity, loneliness, detachment, insensitivity, boredom, anger and low self-esteem. They often have difficulty trusting others and forming close relationships.

When school personnel demonstrate regard for all students and provide a mutually supportive school environment, theft is less likely to occur. Explain that stealing means taking something that belongs to someone else and that it is wrong, unacceptable and dishonest.

Clarify that when an individual takes something without asking or paying for it, someone will be hurt.

Teach the concept of ownership and how it makes others feel to have something stolen from them. Use examples and ask children questions like, "How would you feel if someone liked your new coat, took it, and said it was his? When it is the first time, the focus should be on the reason for the theft rather than on the deed itself. Remain calm. Deal with the situation in a straightforward manner. Show your disapproval, but do not interrogate, lecture or humiliate the child.

If you are sure who took an item, talk to the child privately. I am disappointed because I thought I could trust you. One teacher reported that she talks discreetly with a child who has been caught stealing. She said that she points out that as a class everyone depends on everyone else. Then she expresses confidence that the student will not steal again.

The teacher also makes it a policy at an unrelated time to put the child in the role of being responsible so that she can compliment him in front of his peers. Students who steal need to experience a consequence such as apologizing, returning or replacing the item or making restitution in some other way, as well as losing a privilege. You need to decide what will happen if the child steals again and let him or her know what the consequence will be.

Steps can also be taken to reduce the possibility of your child stealing in the first place. Children are more likely to steal if money is left lying around the house, if they spend a lot of time on their own, or through peer pressure. Try to cut down the amount of time your child spends unsupervised either at home or out and always know where they are and who they are with.

Primary school children should not be left unsupervised. If someone is unable to meet them at home after school alternative care arrangements should be made. Shape the social scene. If you are finding it difficult to discourage your child from playing with children who seem to be a bad influence, help them get involved in some sport or activity that do not involve these children. Consider counseling. Persistent stealing may also be a sign of serious family problems or an indication of other difficulties with your child such as aggression, lying, disobedience, low self- esteem, or learning difficulties.

If you are concerned that your child has significant problems seek professional help. About Us We teach people how to say no to drugs and how to make healthy choices. To reduce the demand for drugs, Informed Families has focused its efforts on educating and mobilizing the community, parents and young people in order to change attitudes. Taking away privileges can also be a logical consequence. An older child may have to do extra chores to earn the money they need to pay someone back for stolen goods.

Work together to problem-solve strategies that will reduce the likelihood of further stealing incidents. You may need to remove temptations for a while. You may need to work on teaching your child better self-control skills before they are ready to have another play date. Stealing can have many legal, social, and emotional consequences for a child, including expulsion from daycare or school, and even criminal charges for teens.

If your discipline strategies aren't working to curb their stealing, it's important to take things a step further. If stealing has become an ongoing problem, you might need to seek professional help.

A professional counselor can identify underlying causes for stealing. Sometimes, mental health concerns, behavioral problems, or conduct disorders are at the root of the problem. A mental health professional can assist you and your child with strategies that will put a stop to stealing. Get diet and wellness tips to help your kids stay healthy and happy. Stealing among high school students: prevalence and clinical correlates.

J Am Acad Psychiatry Law. Talwar V, Lee K. A punitive environment fosters children's dishonesty: a natural experiment. Child Dev. Clinical practice guidelines for the management of conduct disorder.

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