Content

• Steps
• Part 1 of 2: Punishing a Teenager for Stealing
• Part 2 of 2: Preventing Re-Theft

There are several reasons a teenager might start stealing, starting with money from parents' bags, school supplies, and even stealing goods from a department store. Depending on the value of the stolen goods, there are legal sanctions that can be applied in connection with the fact of theft. Nevertheless, regardless of the value of the stolen goods, there is a feeling of shame, embarrassment and guilt, both among the adolescents themselves and among their parents, when this information comes to the surface. There are steps you can take to deter your teenager from re-theft and serious trouble.

Steps

Part 1 of 2: Punishing a Teenager for Stealing

1. 1 Explain the consequences of theft. Perhaps you discovered that a child stole money from your wallet, maybe you found stolen items in his backpack. If a teenager is the first offender and has not been convicted after that, it is very important to seat him next to you and explain that stealing someone else's property is illegal and can lead to imprisonment. Don't play down the severity of the situation and don't feel sorry for your child for thinking that "stealing is okay if you don't get caught." Be persuasive and concise in your words, explaining the seriousness and potential danger of theft for your child's life.
   • Use legal terms to explain the possibility of imprisonment related to theft (when you appropriate someone's property, such as a wallet or bicycle) and a serious crime (when you intend to embezzle someone else's money by stealing your wallet or writing the wrong check).
   • The value of the stolen property determines how serious the crime is. Regardless of the level of crime, a teenager can be fined heavily or imprisoned for months or even years if caught stealing.
2. 2 Show your teen the consequences of stealing. The next method is that it is better to show clearly than to talk about what happens if he is caught stealing. If your child has stolen your money or belongings, we recommend that you contact the police and, together with the officer, play out the arrest of the teenager. An officer can handcuff him and put him in the back seat of a police car as you show your child what a felony charge is and how it might affect his future.
   • This tactic may seem extreme and is only suitable in cases where the teenager stole from you directly, since it is you who will decide whether to press charges against him or not. However, this method can scare the child so much that he will never think about stealing again.
3. 3 Give a punishment that requires affirmative action from your child. Instead of being physically punished or shamed, which makes teens angry and resentful, focus on creating punishment that requires a positive response from your child. This will prevent the damage done to your relationship by stealing and will allow your child to better understand the meaning of honesty.
   • For example, suppose you catch a teenager stealing money from your wallet. You can punish him by obliging him to pay back all the money he took from you. It will take some time, because he will need a part-time job or a job in order to get the money back. But in this way he will learn to cope with the consequences of his actions, become more responsible, find a job and understand why it is bad to steal.
   • Another option is for your child to pay the money by doing additional household chores by preparing dinner for the family for a month. In this way, he will take positive actions for others to correct his mistakes.

Part 2 of 2: Preventing Re-Theft

1. 1 Ask your teen why they need to steal. He may be motivated by other problems or circumstances. Determining the cause of the first theft will help you prevent future theft. Teenagers steal, as a rule, for several reasons:
   • External pressure can be a huge motivation for your child. He might want the latest smartphone model or some cool new sneakers. Because of this, the child may begin to believe that the only way to get them is to steal from other people, or from you. He may feel the need to acquire such things so that he does not differ from other teens in school.
   • Lack of attention can also be one of the reasons your child starts stealing. Any attention from others, especially from people who are authoritative for him, may seem better to the child than his absence. A teenager can steal because he knows it will grab your attention and make you notice it.
   • Embarrassment and indecision about certain items, such as condoms, tampons, emergency contraception, or pregnancy tests, can make your teen want to steal. He may be too embarrassed to go to the clinic for these funds or ask you for money. It seems to him that the only way to get them is to steal money.
   • Feelings of risk can be an added incentive. Often, teens enjoy the feeling that they are doing something forbidden or engaging in risky endeavors. Most are interested in exactly prohibited or illegal things. Stealing can be one way to push boundaries and understand how far they can go.
2. 2 Provide sources of income for your teen. If your child steals to buy things from peers, help him find an after-school job or odd job to get some money. This will help the child learn to be responsible and manage their budget, giving them the freedom to buy the things they want, rather than steal them.
   • You need to invite your teenager to draw up a budget and learn how to distribute it; this way he will develop good organizational habits.
3. 3 Let your child participate in health-promoting extracurricular activities. Encourage your teen to focus on improving their skills and abilities by enrolling them in the school's sports team and club. This will help him connect with peers who are interested in something other than material possessions or the latest innovations.
4. 4 Spend time with your child. Stealing can be a cry for help from your child. Don't ignore this. Instead, try spending time with him regularly. Show him you care and interest by inviting him to do your favorite thing or go out to watch your favorite band together.
   • During this time, you can discuss contraception and protection with your teenager if it was embarrassment and shame that caused the theft. Allow your child to ask specific questions and provide the necessary items so that the teenager does not feel uncomfortable. Talk to him about sex if it became part of his motivation to steal.
5. 5 Talk to a family counselor or therapist if your child continues to steal. If you catch him doing it again, it may be a reason to contact a family counselor. Some adolescents steal for reasons that would require family or individual psychotherapy to find out. Do not let stealing become a habit with your teenager, as it can lead to more serious consequences and distortion of your child's moral values.
   • Some teens may develop kleptomania, a rare compulsive disorder in which a person experiences anxiety or tension before stealing and then feels relief or satisfaction. Talk to your doctor or therapist if you suspect your child may have a similar disorder.