join | what's new
Home Site Map Crafting Ideas Family Fun Parenting Home & Garden Holidays Funbook Forums
Your online source for free family fun, craft projects, parenting advice, and more...
Tell a Friend or Two
Cratfs & Fun
Kid's Crafts
Kid's Recipes
Holidays
Family Fun
Our Experts
Ages & Stages
Education
Home & Garden
Just For You
Parenting
Fun Stuff
Pets
Humor
Games
Message Boards
Photo Gallery
Blogs
 

Craft Supplies



 
When a Child is Caught Stealing

crying toddler Situation: Money has been disappearing from my wallet, and my daughter is suddenly buying things that she couldn't possibly afford on her own. I suspect that she's been taking the money from me, and it makes me wonder if this is the only incident of her stealing.

Think about it: Your daughter isn't yet a scoundrel on the low road to villainy. A lot of kids steal something at some point in their lives. Some kids steal simply because they want something and so they take it, without thought to the rightness or the consequences. Some steal to impress their friends. Some steal to "punish" their parents for not giving them what they want. Whatever your child's reason, now's the time to get control of the situation.

Solution #1: Don't play Sherlock Holmes and try to "trap" your child into confessing. If you hint and question, "Bonnie, where did you get the money to buy that new shirt?" you'll have to deal with the inevitable lie that she'll respond with as she tries to protect herself. Instead, confront her with the evidence, "Bonnie, I see that you have an expensive new shirt on. Yesterday, after you left for the mall I discovered $20 missing from my wallet. Let's talk." Try to determine what led to this behavior. Have a serious discussion about stealing. Hold your child responsible for her behavior. Require that she return the purchase to the store, if possible, and if not, require that she re-pay the money. (Before requiring her to return the item to the store, call to inquire about their policy regarding thefts by children. If you feel their policy is too severe, handle the issue at home.)

Solution #2: Children younger than about age six steal because they see something they want and they take it. They don't know the implications of their behavior. A first incident of stealing gives you a perfect opportunity to teach your young child some valuable social lessons.

Solution #3: First deal with the stealing episode according to the above solutions. Next, take a look at your child's money needs. Determine if her allowance is meeting her basic needs, or if an adjustment needs to be made.

Solution #4: Ask yourself if you've been an overindulgent parent. Children who are used to getting everything they want start to believe that they are entitled to have what they want. Maybe it's time to start saying NO more often.

If your child continues to steal, or if this is accompanied by other disturbing behaviors, or part of a pattern of antisocial behavior, seek the help of a professional. (Excerpted with permission by NTC/Contemporary Publishing Group Inc. from Perfect Parenting, The Dictionary of 1,000 Parenting Tips by Elizabeth Pantley, copyright 1999)

About the Author:
Kid CooperationElizabeth Pantley is author of Perfect Parenting & Kid Cooperation, and president of Better Beginnings, Inc. She is a popular speaker on family issues. Elizabeth's newsletter, Parent Tips is seen in schools nationwide.

She appears as a regular radio show guest and has been quoted in Parents, Parenting, Redbook, Good Housekeeping, American Baby, Twins, Working Mother, and Woman's Day magazines.

You can visit her website at http://www.pantley.com/elizabeth/ 

Did you enjoy this article? Rate It! | Tell A Friend

 

Coming Up

Thanksgiving

The leaves are almost done falling and Thanksgiving is quickly approaching! Whether you are looking for fun crafts, great recipes, or costume ideas, you'll find it all here. Here are a few examples to get you started...

More Holidays...

Free Newsletters
your email address:

Recently Added
New Stuff

new on familycorner.comMissed the last couple of newsletters? Haven't visited for a while? This section highlights articles and crafts that have recently been added to FC...


Coming Up


Pilgrims & Indians


Edible Pilgrim Hats


Festive Beverages


Dinnerware


Find tons of Thanksgiving recipes courtesy of our friends at Alicia's Recipes
We Recommend
FamilyCorner Photo Gallery

Did you know that FamilyCorner has its own photo gallery? Did you know that YOU can upload your own photos to it? That's right, and it's completely free!

Here are some of the fun benefits of sharing your photos in our FC Gallery:

  • Send your own photos as an e-card
  • Watch slide shows
  • See beautiful sunsets and other great scenic shots
  • Brag about and share pictures of your loving pets
  • Share photos of your children and grandchildren
  • Create your own individual album and post in category albums
  • Keep your favorite pictures organized online
  • Rate images of other members
  • ...more!
Join us in the FC Photo Gallery. It's completely free to use, just another fabulous reason to be a FamilyCorner subscriber.

Start your own album by visiting our free gallery today!

Family Podcasts

Hosted by Caroline & JacquieFamily Matters Radio
FMR is a nationally syndicated radio program developed to help you live your best life, hosted by Caroline & Jacquie. No rants and raves - you get enough of that from your kids. Choose a segment below to begin listening!


 
FamilyCorner.com Magazine
OUR FRIENDS
Craft Supplies
Family Stickers
Children's Halloween Costumes
Letter Stencils
Main Street Mom
She Knows
Amanda's Craft Blog
MORE GOOD STUFF
Newsletters
Advertising
Services
Submissions
Media Opportunities
Link To Us
Shop
Feedback
Staff

POPULAR AREAS
Family FunBook
Forums
Kid's Crafts
Coloring Pages
Household Hints & Tips
Photo Gallery
Blogs
e-Cards
Reminder Service



Contact Us | Copyright Notice | Privacy Policy | Terms of Use/Disclaimer

Copyright © 1997-2007 FamilyCorner.com Magazine, Inc. FamilyCorner.com® is a registered trademark of FamilyCorner.com Magazine, Inc