Content

• Steps

There are a number of reasons that teens start stealing, whether it's money from their parents' pocket, stuff at school, or even junk food in the supermarket. Depending on the value of the stolen item, there are different legal penalties. However, no matter what, stealing will make both children and parents feel ashamed, confused and guilty when discovered. There are ways to prevent your child from stealing again, to help keep your child from having a serious problem.

Steps

Part 1 of 2: Punishing a child for stealing

1. 

   Explain the consequences of stealing. Maybe you find out that your kid stole money from your wallet or you found something stolen in their backpack. If this is the first time your child committed a crime and have not been convicted of stealing, you need to talk to them and explain to them that it is illegal to take property owned by someone else and go to prison. Don't underestimate the seriousness of this or make your child believe that stealing is okay if not caught in the act. Be clear and convincing when you explain to your child the serious life-changing consequences of theft.
   • Use legal terms to explain jail time if you commit theft (when you take someone else's property such as a wallet or bicycle) and commit a felony (when you knowingly steal someone else's money, like robbing a wallet or writing invalid checks).
   • The value of stolen property determines whether the offense is a serious crime or a misdemeanor. Regardless of the level of crime, your child will also be fined a large sum or go to jail for a few months to a few years if caught.

2. 

   
   
   Show your child the consequences of stealing. Another way is to show your child instead of just talking about what will happen if they are caught. Some parents suggest that if your child steals your money or things, call the police and have the police pretend to arrest your child. The police can handcuff and put your child in the trunk, then explain what the felony is and how it affects the child's future.
   • This can be the last resort and should only be done when your child steals your things because you will be the one to decide whether to convict your child or not. However, this can frighten the child to the point of not trying to steal again.
   • If your child steals elsewhere, try showing them documentaries about prisons and prisoner interviews. This will show your child exactly what happens in prison that they may one day have to experience.

3. 

   
   
   Imposing punishment, in turn, requires the child to act positively. Instead of whiping or scolding the child to increase anger and resentment, focus on the punishment that requires the child to take positive action to compensate for the theft. This will compensate for the damage the theft causes to your relationships with those around you, and teach your children a lesson about the value of honesty.
   • For example, you could catch a child stealing money from your wallet. You can punish your child by forcing back all the money stolen. This can take time because your kids need to work or work as a maid to make money for you. However, children will learn about the consequences of their behavior, live responsibly when it comes to finding work, and understand why stealing is wrong.
   • Another option to get money back a child steals is to have them clean the house or cook dinner for the family for a month. In this way, children will do positive things for everyone to make up for their mistakes.
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Part 2 of 2: Prevent children from continuing to steal

1. 

   
   
   Ask children why there is a need to steal. Your child may want to steal for other reasons or problems. Identifying the underlying cause of your child's behavior will help you prevent them from continuing to steal. Children are prone to stealing for a number of reasons, including:
   • Peer pressure can be a major motivator for a child to steal. They may want a latest smartphone or a pair of new, stylish soft-soled shoes and feel that the only way to get them is to steal someone else's, or steal your money to buy it. Most teenagers get along with friends, so your child may feel pressured to have something to resemble other kids at school.
   • The need for attention is another reason your child steals. The attention of others, especially powerful people, may be better for children. Your children may be stealing because they know you'll notice and care about them.
   • Confusion or anxiety with certain items, such as condoms, tampons, emergency contraception or pregnancy tests, can cause your baby to steal them. Your child is too afraid to go to the hospital or ask you for money to buy these things, so he thinks the only way is to steal.
   • The thrill of doing something wrong can also be motivating. Usually teenagers enjoy this feeling of doing something wrong and engage in risky activities. Most teenagers like things that are out of line or seen as bad. So, stealing can be a way for them to get out of bounds and see if they get out.

2. 

   Create a source of income for your child. If your kids are stealing because they feel they can't buy what their friends have, get them a part-time job after school or do housework to make money. This will help children learn responsibility and manage money, and allow them the freedom to buy what they want instead of stealing.
   • You can suggest to your child to create a fund and learn how to manage your money to develop effective money control habits.

3. 

   Involve your child in healthy extracurricular activities. Encourage children to focus their energies on improving their skills and ability to work effectively by joining a school sports team or club. This will help your child communicate with friends who are interested in things other than the latest material or supplies.

4. 

   Spend valuable time with your children. Stealing can be seen as a need for a child's attention. Don't ignore this. Instead, try to spend time with your child regularly. Show your child that you care about them and what they want by suggesting you and your child join their favorite activity or go to a band they enjoy performing.
   • During such times, you can talk to your child about birth control and condoms if you find embarrassment or shame as the reason your child steals. Let your child ask specific questions and give them these items so they won't feel embarrassed. Talk to your child about sex if it is part of the motivations for them to steal.

5. 

   Talk to a family counselor or therapist if your child continues to steal. If you find your child stealing again, it may be time to need the help of a family counselor or therapist. Some children steal because they have deeper problems that need treatment alone or in the presence of a family. Do not let children stealing become a habit as it can lead to more serious consequences and create a deviant personality in the child.
   • Some children may develop snacking, a rare form of compulsive disorder where a person feels anxious or stressed before a steal and feels comfortable or satisfied after a steal. Talk to your doctor or therapist if you suspect your child might have the disorder.
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