HELP:STEALING

[Aliyahsmommy]

I recently read a story from a mom who's daughter was constantly stealing. They tried what she called "revoking privileges, embarrassment, lectures, and logic." Recently her daughter stole a couple little trinkets from the prize jar in her classroom and when the parents found out about it they emptied her room of all except a couple sentimental items and gave everything away. I venture this little girl is 6-8 years old, but I'm thinking closer to 6. When the little girl saw her room empty parents then told the girl that everything must have gotten stolen and when the daughter broke down crying she was told to remember that feeling next time she thought to steal. I commented that I thought that punishment was too harsh and she asked what I might have done in that situation. I thought of a few things, but hoped some you might help me with more ideas?? Just the thought of that little girl seeing her room and then her parents saying those words really breaks my heart:(

[goldenwillow]

Feeling sad for that little one, no doubt.  I feel that there is a deeper issue for her theft.  I stole when I was that age to have attention from my folks.  Apparently I didn't care if it was positive or negative.  Is there any other issues within or out of the home for this little girl? 

[NiteNicole]

That sounds like end-of-your-rope kind of stuff.  Once you've tried everything, you'll try things you never thought you would, you know?

There's a difference between impulsively taking things once or twice and compulsively doing it every chance she gets. There's a difference between deciding to do something and not being able to stop yourself - and this is a six to eight year old?  I'd assume after trying so many different things, if she COULD stop herself then she would have by now.  If this is on-going, I'd want to talk to a professional.  Either she knows it's wrong and she can't stop herself or she knows it's wrong and doesn't really care, either way it sounds like time to call in someone with a bigger bag of tricks.

[mom2grrls]

I would have gotten to the root of the problem.  Children do not decide one day to just steal for fun all the time.    Giving away her possessions like that can honestly lead to issues later on.  I watched an episode of Hoarders once where the hoarder told about when a parent burned her possessions and it most likely lead to her keeping anything and everything.