1. That's Not Yours
Young children sometimes do not understand that everything is not theirs. Very young children must be taught the difference between possessions they own and those that belong to others. As kids grow and understand the distinction, this tendency begins to subside. However, for some kids the urge to steal only increases as they get older. The first step in curbing stealing tendencies in children is to teach the moral imperative behind not taking other people's things.
2. Stop That Kid!
Sometimes kids steal simply because they know it's wrong to do so. The urge to steal is often driven by the rush associated with transgressing. Deviant behavior is often a statement against prescribed norms and rules that some children simply cannot resist breaking. However, this urge can develop into a major problem that can lead to serious psychological and legal trouble for some kids. Early intervention for a child prone to theft is important in curbing the behavior for the future and reframing more positive behaviors.
3. Pay Attention to Me
Adolescence is particularly fraught with angst and many social and behavioral changes. Some kids find that stealing and shoplifting are great ways to gain the respect of a certain peer group or to catch the attention of a parent they feel is neglecting them. Getting in trouble can be a way to both seem cool to friends and also get a caretaker to stop and listen. Parents should notice when stealing or shoplifting is a call for help; their diligent monitoring can help solve the real problem and eliminate the negative call for attention.
4. Beware of Kleptomania
The rush of stealing or shoplifting for some is a minor thrill that often loses its allure after the kids are caught once. The negative consequences of being caught stealing are often sufficient to prevent the behavior from reoccurring. However, some individuals develop a psychological payoff from stealing that equals smoking or having sex. Kleptomania is a condition in which a person steals to relieve a sort of mental tension. Kleptomania in children can be a difficult problem that should be dealt with by a knowledgeable mental health professional.
5. The Shame of Being Caught
Often the best medicine for a stealing child is a bit of punishment. Forcing the child to return a stolen item or admit guilt to stealing something is often a very effective way to curb this behavior. The shame associated with the behavior often is enough to keep the child from engaging in it again. Allowing the punishment to be followed through on a legal level can be difficult for parents to swallow, but it is often one of the best ways to prevent the deviant behavior from recurring.
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