So can it be true that this same child is stealing? Kids of all ages — from preschoolers to teens — can be tempted to steal for different reasons:. And other complex reasons can be factors. Kids might be angry or want attention. Their behavior may reflect stress at home, school, or with friends.
Some may steal as a cry for help because of emotional or physical abuse they're enduring. In other cases, kids and teens steal because they can't afford to pay for what they need or want — for example, they may steal to get popular name-brand items. In some cases, they may take things to support drug habits.
Whatever the reason for stealing, parents need to get to the root of the behavior and address other underlying problems, like drug abuse, that may surface.
When a child has been caught stealing, a parent's reaction should depend on whether it's the first time or there's a pattern of stealing. With very young children, parents need to help them understand that stealing is wrong — that when you take something without asking or paying for it, it hurts someone else. If a preschooler takes a piece of candy, for instance, parents can help the child return the item.
If the child has already eaten the candy, parents can take the child back to the store to apologize and pay for it. With school-age kids, too, it's important to return the stolen item. What if they loses their friends? But even when kids don't feel these things, stealing is still wrong. Stealing has serious consequences say: CON-seh-kwen-sez because it hurts everyone:. If you know someone who steals, you shouldn't just shrug it off.
That's like saying stealing is OK. You can tell the person that stealing is wrong or that you're concerned about him, but he may get angry with you. It's a good idea to tell a parent, teacher, counselor, or other adult that you trust. Then leave it up to the adult to decide how to handle the situation. Don't hang out with kids who steal. It's not smart to go along with someone just because he's your friend or because you don't want to be left out. Follow your conscience say: CON-shens , and don't do anything that would hurt others.
Do what you know is right. If someone is caught stealing, you could get in trouble just because you were there with him when it happened. Some kids who steal once might do it a second and third time, until it becomes a habit. Repeat stealers often act in other bad ways, too. They may lie, fight, cheat, or write graffiti.
They might ignore rules and disrespect other people and their belongings. But even if stealing has become a habit, kids who steal can change their ways. Kids sometimes make mistakes, but there are ways to get back on the right track. Kids can ask adults to help them. Parents, counselors, and other adults can help kids with troubles that may have led them to steal in the first place.
Kids can learn right from wrong, get better at self-control, and learn to solve problems without stealing. When kids are honest and follow what they know is right, they feel happier and a whole lot better about themselves.
Learning how to get what they need — without stealing — can be a big relief. Note: All information is for educational purposes only. For specific medical advice, diagnoses, and treatment, consult your doctor. In this section. Make an appointment To make an appointment: call the Central Scheduling or use the "request an appointment" button to submit your request online. Search KidsHealth library.
What's in this article? What Kind of Stealing Is Wrong? Why Do Kids Steal? What Can Happen if You Steal? When Stealing Becomes a Habit. Stealing has serious consequences say: CON-seh-kwen-sez because it hurts everyone: Stealing causes a big problem for a family when the thief is caught. Store owners have to spend more money to protect their things, which makes prices go up for paying customers.
Talking with your child can help provide insight as to why he is stealing. Asking open-ended questions can encourage your child to talk. Remain calm. While it is okay to show that you are not pleased with the behavior, avoid shaming the child because you want him to share information openly. Say, "Tell me the reason you stole the money.
What did you plan to do with the money? When you know why the child stole the item, you will be more likely to be able to help him choose honest ways of solving his problems rather than resorting to stealing. Try to use the stealing episode as a teachable moment. Get diet and wellness tips to help your kids stay healthy and happy. Stealing in children and adolescents.
Updated December Johns Hopkins Medicine. Lying and Stealing. My child is stealing. Stealing among high school students: prevalence and clinical correlates. J Am Acad Psychiatry Law. Your Privacy Rights. To change or withdraw your consent choices for VerywellFamily. At any time, you can update your settings through the "EU Privacy" link at the bottom of any page. These choices will be signaled globally to our partners and will not affect browsing data.
We and our partners process data to: Actively scan device characteristics for identification. I Accept Show Purposes. Table of Contents View All. Table of Contents. Do They Know It's Wrong? Why Do Children Steal? How to Address Stealing. Praise Good Behavior.
0コメント