How to deal with stealing in kids?
Stealing in kids is a common problem and is faced by almost every other parent. Some kids steal for a reason and some do it unknowingly, but in any case the habit needs a check on it. When parents overlook a behavior of stealing, they not only teach their kids that stealing is right but also end up raising a problem child. But there is nothing to worry, as like any other habit stealing too can be corrected.
When you find that your child is stealing or has taken something that is not his own, do not panic and go hysterical. There are two basic factors of stealing it’s either intentional or unintentional, thus prior to reacting you need to know what made your child do it.
Often younger children, under age of 3, steal or in true words take other’s belonging without even knowing that it’s wrong. You can not scold them or punish for doing something they are not even aware of. In order to make sure that you do not raise a stealing child, it is important for parents inculcate the habit of asking for permission from the early age of childhood.
Teach your toddler the concept of mine and theirs. Remember kids grab habits from adults, so always ask for things in front of your kid, such as when your kid is around ask your husband permission for using his mobile, his novel or his pen. Play a game with your kid, where you divide the toys and then ask for permission to play with each other’s toys. This way you are inculcating a habit of sharing, asking and borrowing, this cut downs the probability of stealing unknowingly. Failure to teach difference between borrowing and stealing could mean complaining phone calls from school and neighbors.
But, then there are kids or teenagers who steal even when they know what stealing means and tend to cultivate it as a habit, if not tackled with.
Some children are found stealing due to absence of self control, depression caused by lack of attention, peer pressure caused by the social circle and just for sake of having things they are devoid of.
Irrespective of the reason, right approach is a must to make sure that the child gets the message. First thing to do is to stay calm and not to panic; you should not make assumptions without finding the reason behind your child’s act of stealing. Remember it’s not about you, but about the child and his emotions, so do no take it personally and blast back. Sit down with your child, ask him what made him do that, listen to him, be a calm listener, explain to him that his actions were completely wrong and immoral.
If its first ever incident, then make sure you have a long and open discussion with your child, but if its has happened more than once its time you make him say sorry and go through a lenient punishment.
Teaching you kid to not to steal is just like teaching any other good habit, all it takes is patience and time.
