Feelings of astonishment, wrath, and disappointment are normal reactions to discovering that your kid has been stealing from you, returning school property that does not belong to him, or even just taking items from stores without paying may be overwhelming. The child may still engage in theft even if you have taught him the distinction between what's right and what's wrong or instilled the moral code by explaining why lying and thieving are unethical. You may have wondered, "In light of everything we've taught them, why would my child do this? "When stealing is involved, many parents doubt their own abilities and contemplate where they went wrong with their child. Although parents may be disheartened and frustrated when their child engages in theft, it is generally a modifiable behaviour. This may come as an unpleasant discovery to you, but theft is a prevalent issue among young children. There are numerous possible reasons for such behaviour, and it is essential that you recognize them. You can then take corrective action to prevent the child from moving further without causing further harm.
Theft by children less than six years old is very different from that of older children. Kids under six years of age usually do not yet possess a moral compass about this matter. Their cognitive abilities are still immature; therefore they can't consider the perspectives of others. The motivations underlying theft should be thoroughly examined and comprehended prior to reaching a decision, as it does not inherently indicate a lack of moral integrity. A child who steals may be experiencing deeper difficulties and require assistance in addressing the underlying cause of their behaviour. Fostering empathy and understanding, educators, caregivers, and parents should approach the situation while collaborating with the child to identify more constructive coping mechanisms for their emotions and needs.
Emotional and psychological parameters: For some children, stealing is a coping mechanism for difficult feelings or stressful situations. As an unhealthy comforting method, stealing may be a coping technique for children who suffer from anxiety, despair, trauma or domestic abuse.
Associations Involving Peers and Society: One of the most important contributors to stealing is the influence of one's peers. When children desire to be accepted by a certain group, they may feel driven to steal or participate in harmful activities in order to achieve their goal of fitting in with that group or to mitigate the existing differences with the group.
Various Aspects of Development: Theft within the context of child development is a complicated process that encompasses a broad variety of situations. It is possible that younger children may not completely comprehend the repercussions of stealing, and they may see it as a means of satisfying an urgent need or want. It is possible that youngsters may learn to comprehend the consequences of their actions as they mature; nevertheless, if they are not being monitored, their impulsive inclinations may continue causing difficulties.
Family and Environmental dynamics: Theft may be more common among children whose families are financially unstable or who have a history of illicit behaviours.
Some environmental variables, like being in a neighbourhood with a high crime rate or where stealing is commonly done, might also influence the outcome. Theft may become normalized for children if they are constantly exposed to it.
Alterations in the child's demeanour can indicate that they are stealing. Secretiveness, defensiveness, or anxiety may set in. They could also begin to exhibit disruptive behaviour or get into problems in many parts of their lives. It might be an indication of theft if your kid suddenly obtains more belongings that you don't recall purchasing for them. Things like new clothing, gadgets, or toys might fall under this category. Maybe your kid has a good story about how they got their hands on these things. But if they become evasive or can't explain the things' origins, it could be worth digging more. If your kid steals from you, they could become less cooperative or even lie to cover it up. When asked to explain their actions, they could become defensive or even aggressive.
Approaches to the Problem of Child Theft:
One of the first measures parents should take is talking to the child about their conduct and explaining why it’s bad so that the child feels safe enough to confide in you about the reasons behind his behaviour. It is of the utmost importance to approach the conversation with empathy and nonjudgment.
It's essential to keep in mind that children's theft is often a sign of deeper emotional or psychological problems. Problems like these may manifest in a variety of ways, including but not limited to anxiety, depression, ADHD, and behaviour disorders. Many may find it helpful to see a mental health expert, such as a counsellor or therapist, who can assist the child in coping with these challenges.
It is also necessary to let your kids know what you expect of them and what will happen if they do not meet those expectations. Your youngster may get a better appreciation for the gravity of their acts and how they affect other people as a result. But you should make sure that the consequences are reasonable for your child's stage of development and age. To prevent the kids from getting involved with such unacceptable behaviour, parents might use B.F. Skinner's "Reward and Punishment" approach, is a part of operant conditioning.
As a parent or caregiver, one may be concerned about addressing a child's theft. In order to help the child stop stealing and establish healthy habits and coping strategies, it's important to understand why they steal in the first place. Always keep in mind that helping a kid grow is a gradual process that calls for understanding and tolerance. Always be there for your kid and make sure to acknowledge and appreciate any growth they make, no matter how little. Your child may learn to be reliable and responsible with the correct guidance and encouragement and here patience and consistency of parents is the key.
(The author is a mental health worker. All views and opinions expressed in the article are the author’s own)
