Posted on October 18, 2007 in Latest News
Parents often feel enraged and embarrassed by the stealing habits of their children. It is very common with parents to take stern action against the child for stealing things. But before punishing the child for such an act you need to understand the motive behind the theft.
Here are some reasons for which children steal:
- Children from 1 to 5 years often take things that they like without any permission. They do so because they do not understand what possession is.
- Children from six to adolescence steal mainly due to peer pressure, from a sense of loneliness, or to capture attention. It may also be because of jealousy or dissatisfaction.
- Stealing habits of teenagers are more dangerous as they know what stealing is. They might steal because their friends are doing it. Some may also think that they can get away with it.
What should be done:
- If your child is an infant talk to him/her and make him/her understand that the particular thing belongs to somebody else and it really hurts when somebody takes one’s thing without his permission.
- If your child is a little older take him to the owner of the thing and make him return it. He needs to understand that stealing other’s things is not good.
- In case of older children you need to take a strict step. Make him/her return the thing and apologize publicly.
While dealing with the stealing habits of children one needs to be careful not to indulge in humiliation. It often makes the child frightened and increases the gap with parents. In any case try to understand why he/she steals. If your child shows persistent signs of stealing or kleptomania (shop lifting) consult a doctor or counselor because it may have something to do with his/her psychology.
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