Provide Consequences Aim to connect the consequence to what they stole, and ideally, they should be aware of what will happen if they steal before the behavior occurs. For example, a child who constantly takes their siblings' favorite toys without permission may benefit from having to loan their toys to a sibling.
Remove temptation.
Children are more likely to steal if money is left lying around the house, if they spend a lot of time on their own, or through peer pressure. Try to cut down the amount of time your child spends unsupervised either at home or out and always know where they are and who they are with.
Let them make amends or pay you back (in cash or with extra chores). Just like with young children, you are not going to solve this behavior problem by yelling really loud or taking away all of your child's privileges. However, it's fair to limit their freedom if you don't feel like you can trust them.
They may feel peer pressure and the need to fit in. They may have low self-esteem. They may not have any friends and may be trying to "buy" their friends. They may try to become good at stealing to feel proud of something they have done if they don't receive positive feedback from their parents.
An appropriate negative consequence for an infraction like stealing is closer monitoring and never being out of an adult's sight. She must ask permission to go into another room, and she must report her whereabouts frequently.
Children who steal are often those who have not learned the difference between what is a “need” and what is a “want”. They have learned that they must obtain everything that they want and need by force, manipulation and deception, that nothing will be freely and willingly given.
Stealing may cause the release of dopamine — another neurotransmitter. Dopamine causes pleasurable feelings, and some people seek this rewarding feeling again and again. The brain's opioid system. Urges are regulated by the brain's opioid system.
Be sure to enforce consequences when your child steals. Aim to connect the consequence to what they stole, and ideally, they should be aware of what will happen if they steal before the behavior occurs.
You should not punish or corner your child when they're caught in a lie. This can lead to more serious lies or resentment. Instead, remain calm and explain to them why lying is wrong. You can also provide them with facts.
Now through theft a man inflicts harm on a neighbor in his possessions, and if men were to steal from one another indiscriminately, human society would perish. Hence, theft, as contrary to charity, is a mortal sin.
If you catch your child developing this habit, it is better to not accuse him and teach him politely why it is wrong. Kleptomania, also known as compulsive stealing, is basically an urge or desire to steal. Usually items stolen are less valuable, but if not stopped it might become a habit as kids grow up.
However, experts believe it can send the wrong message to kids about their behaviour, long-term. According to Laura Markham, a psychologist from Aha! Parenting, even though children may emerge from their rooms calmer, they have missed out on an opportunity for development.
Acceptable means of discipline include withdrawal or delay of privileges, consequences and time-out. Example: The child destroys toys. Instead of replacing these toys, let the child learn the logical consequences. Destroying toys will result in no toys to play with.
Learned Behavior
Children may have been taught to steal either directly or by the example of parents or other significant adults. They may continue this behavior because they think it pleases those for whom they are stealing or because they do not know any other way of meeting their own needs.
Stealing may cause the brain to release dopamine, a transmitter that causes pleasurable feelings. Stealing stimulates a pleasant sensation that pushes you to do it repeatedly as an emotional or psychological feeling.
Shoplifting and Depression
Shoplifting is oftentimes due to depression. Many scholarly studies have linked depression and other mental issues and shoplifting.
Respond, don't react
It's helpful to think of your child's manipulation as a strategy to get her needs met rather than a sneaky tactic. When you approach this behavior with curiosity instead of being judgemental, you may discover why she's resorting to behaving this way.
“Theft” is the act of taking personal property with the intent to deprive the rightful owner of the property. If you are found guilty of a theft crime, the conviction could result in many consequences, including fines, incarceration, probation, and a criminal record.
According to this concept, theft occurs when three elements are present: (1) motive, (2) desire, and (3) opportunity. In simple terms, motive is a reason to steal. Motives might be the resentment of an employee who feels underpaid or the vengefulness of an employee who has been passed over for promotion.