My child is stealing!!!

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My cousin jumped from the bed when she learnt that her three year old son had stolen a toy from the neighbors' house and hid it under the cupboard for weeks. She beat him red and blue and the child after a while crippled itself in the corner without even knowing the reason for punishment. Most of the parents who realize that their children are muddling with others' things attack vengefully or experience painful shock without thinking about the child's psyche and understanding.

Stealing is a common behavior in young children. Almost all children take things that don't belong to them at specific age which excites his or her interest. Pediatrics say that most children under the age of six have difficulty understanding the concept of private property. This is because children at this age are generally self-centered. Therefore the parents should not worry that their child is heading to be a juvenile delinquent, as vast majority of children who occasionally steal grow up to be law abiding citizens. However make sure to address the situation and correct them. Here are some things that parents can do to prevent and deal with stealing behaviors.

Be a role model
Parents should be the role models, this the first rule to follow to discipline young children. If you come home with stationary or pens from the office your child will follow your footsteps and would not understand a word about being honest.

Talk over it

It is necessary for the child to know that what she/he is doing is wrong. Make clear that this behavior is totally unacceptable within the family tradition and the community. If your words are not taken seriously then help the youngster to pay for or return the stolen object and accept his fault in front of everybody. Make sure that the child does not benefit from the theft. Avoid lecturing or predicting future bad behavior or saying that you know banner the child as the next 'Veerappan'. Make sure not to call your child a thief, dishonest, or a liar or any other name that you do not want him to become. Remember when you give your child a label, he will grow to fill that label with the colours given by you. However if you have already bannered your child as a thief once make sure to clean it up after the child has paid for or returned the stolen merchandise.

Some children take money as it seems to have a magical quality as they can get all what they want. Parent should explain how hard it is to earn and why we can't just take it from others.

Teach ownership
Teach all about ownership to your children. Although the term may seem a big word for children under the age of six, it is better they understand it to enhance individual's character. Tell them it is wrong to take something that belongs to someone else. You can use examples, such as, "How would you feel if someone walked away with your stuffed toy without your notice and decides to own it forever".

Teach them how to get what they want without stealing. For example, suggest them to ask for things they want or to save up their pocket money to buy the things that they want.

Hide Temptation
If you are aware of your child's psyche don't leave money around where the child can find it easily. Don't send the child to the store to buy something with a large bill.

Repeated misbehavior
If the child repeats such misbehavior it is better to report it to a psychiatrist for a better treatment as the child may be suffering from Kleptomania, an inability or great difficulty in resisting impulses of stealing.