To the children may face turbulent phases during growth. This is a way to question why some of them hit other children, bite other people or steal small things.
When one of these attitudes happens, certainly, parents are left without ground. However, before falling into complete despair, one must consider that there is an explanation for this.
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First of all, it is totally relevant to analyze the age of the child and what phase he is facing. When it comes to very young children, we need to remember that they still don't have a sense of what "property" means.
If they see something they want, they are very likely to walk over and just take it for themselves.
According to child development experts, a sense of ownership begins to emerge around the age of two. Still, a full understanding of property rights, of what really can be hers or others, develops between the ages of three and five.
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What do I need to understand when young children steal?
According to the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, in the age range of three to five years, we can consider it as the crucial moment to realize what is really valid regarding honesty and values personal.
This will be the definitive moment for children about the property. At this stage, show irrefutable behavior when dealing with your property and that of others, avoiding as much as possible taking home small or large things that are not yours.
If the child happens to steal, before making any decision, it is necessary to understand the reasons behind the act of stealing, as this does not always indicate a flaw in the child's character.
Some young children have low impulsive control, which means they may take something for themselves as a reward. Usually, they are small items like candy, lollipop, crayons and among others.
Often, these children may think that picking up just a few small objects won't make a difference. In many cases, they don't even consider that they're going to make someone else mad.
In other cases, children may steal because they are experiencing boredom and wish to gain someone's attention, or they may act in this way as a way to obtain adrenaline.
In these cases, it is important to consider whether the child is stealing alone or with other peers. These actions may be impulsive upon another colleague's request, which may actually be happening to impress others.
There are also cases of poor children who steal objects to support themselves. When this type of theft occurs, the stolen object can be valuable – even if it is not so important – for the group to which the child belongs.
Anyway, all these questions mean that the child is going through a deeper moment than we can imagine. For this, parents are fundamental in building character and a sense of ownership.
What do parents need to do?
Here are essential tips for dealing with children who steal:
converse
Asking why the child steals and listening to his answer is an important step in understanding the motives behind the behavior.
By understanding what motivated them to steal, parents can identify and resolve any issues that may be contributing to their behavior.
Avoid alarming reactions
When broaching the subject, avoid fanfare and remain calm. Do not seek to punish the child severely, as you may lose his trust before you even explain what honesty is.
Explain that stealing is wrong
It is essential to teach children about the importance of honesty and trust in relationships. When approaching the subject of theft, it is essential to explain how this action can break trust between people and damage relationships.
Analyze all behavior
Monitoring your child's behavior in the future is an important strategy to ensure that your child is not involved in stealing behavior again. Keep an eye out for any signs of relapse or worrying trends.
avoid intimidation
It is critical to avoid threatening your child with extreme consequences, such as involving the police as a form of punishment. When treating the problem, it is important to move forward and not dwell on the episode over and over again. If he got over it and fixed the mistake, get over it too.
Make the child return the stolen items
It is essential to ensure that your child does not benefit from theft or keep any improperly obtained items. Even though parents may fear the consequences of returning goods, it is important to make the right decision.