Huron-Perth Centre - PARENTING TIPS: HELPFUL RESPONSES TO STEALING BEHAVIOUR

Upcoming Events

Index of Articles | Web Resources |

CMHO

There are many reasons why a young person might steal: emotional distress, unmet needs, poor impulse control, and/or the development of an anti-social lifestyle of which stealing may be a part.

While it is important to find out why a young person is stealing, it is safe to say that in all cases the following would be helpful.

1. Increase supervision on a random basis.

2. Increase monitoring of all areas for property which does not belong to the young person or other family members.

3. Any incidents of theft should result in some form of consequence which involves the following:

Removal of the goods from the young person so that he/she does not benefit from the theft.

Return of the goods to the rightful owner with a public apology and a practical way to make amends for the betrayal.

Removal of a privilege which may be earned/regained when trust is gained/regained.

Maintenance of a non-emotional response to the negative behaviour.

4. Later on, specific positive steps can be taken to meet the unmet need or to deal with the unresolved emotional issue. For example, if the young person steals to impress peers, it is important to provide as many opportunities as possible to develop friendships where acceptance can be gained without the need for bribery. Often this can be achieved through small group play and recreational programming which has some form of supervision or adult leadership.

Prepared by T. Sparling

Huron-Perth Centre, Box 100 Clinton ON N0M 1L0