When your child is stealing, what do you do?

One day you find out your child likes petty theft. What you will do? Scold or give a punishment that you think is the most appropriate? Actually, stealing stems from a number of reasons. Please learn carefully to solve this problem.

Stealing is always critical. Some people are too needy, leading to this dishonest behavior, others develop this character because they are always jealous of others having something they don't have. Therefore, if you notice that a young child develops petty signs, you should take measures to prevent it from becoming more serious.

Can young children understand that stealing is wrong or not?

Reality shows that, young children do not understand that petty theft is wrong. Naturally, a baby will take what he wants without consulting others. Children also do not understand the boundaries between their own objects and others. From 3 to 5 years old, the fact that babies like "holding the wrong way" is not considered a steal. But from the age of 6, babies can begin to understand stealing is wrong and realize that taking someone else's things without their permission is inappropriate.

Why do children steal?

Children can steal for a number of reasons, but you need to consider many aspects in order to properly handle behavior. For example, if your child has not been taught that stealing is bad, then now you need to let them know and they will be punished for the next offense. In the event of a child stealing to gain attention or fight an adult, take a tougher approach. In addition, some of the reasons why babies develop this bad personality include:

Children are impulsive, not thinking about the potential consequences of this action

Want to be noticed by everyone

I have seen that behavior from other people

Children not interested in their parents can steal because stolen objects give children a sense of excitement and comfort.

Stealing to mingle with friends or stealing your children

If they feel their ownership has been violated, they will commit theft

Children love to steal because they feel confident.

How to talk when children are stealing

Tell your baby that it is wrong to take things without someone else's permission. When the behavior occurs, if possible, have the child return the stolen item and apologize for taking it. Correcting mistakes helps children understand that petty theft always comes with bad consequences, and at the same time children partly know the feeling of loss when someone else takes things.

Talk to your child to understand why he is stealing. Ask open-ended questions to encourage your child to explain the cause. Even though at this point, you may be angry to let your child know that you are completely dissatisfied with the behavior, but avoid embarrassing many people about the behavior.

Try saying something like: “Can Bin tell me why you stole the money? What do you want to buy with some money? ”. Conversations like this can help your child open up and reveal the problems he is having. When you understand the cause, you can help your child find an appropriate response.

In addition, you can still sympathize if the behavior is at the "acceptable" level, for example, the baby stole just out of jealousy with a sibling for a new item. In addition, you must also be a role model for your children and always be honest wherever you are.