4 Healthy ways to deal with catching your child stealing

Have you ever found a toy that you didn't recognize before was in the child's toy box? You might think that the toy belonged to a friend who left behind or was borrowed. However, don't be quick to conclude that. You also need to consider other possibilities, namely the child steals the toy.

Not bad prejudice, but you have to be observant to find out where these toys come from. Knowing this earlier would be better, right? If the child does steal the toy, then what should you do? Don't worry, see tips for dealing with as well as disciplining children so they don't steal again, like the following review.

Parents' wise attitude when they catch their child stealing

Children who have or have the habit of stealing, must be dealt with firmly. You don't want to let this bad habit go into adulthood. Of course it is not very good for the future. Several ways to deal with and discipline a child who is caught stealing, including:

1. Understand the causes

Before you get really angry because you know your little one stole something, you need to first understand the cause. There are several things that encourage children to take other people's belongings, such as:

• Do not understand the economic concept, namely buying and selling. So, when he wants something, he just thinks about taking it without asking permission or paying.
• Can't tell the difference between good and bad. Maybe he was carried away by his friends who really like to steal, want to be considered great, or are told to do so by his friends. His brain has not worked perfectly in making decisions, of course it will not think long about the risks of taking other people's belongings. This can also happen because children are unable to control themselves when they want to have something that cannot be bought.
• Have behavioral disorders, such as kleptomania. This condition causes children to like to take other people's belongings that they don't really want or need without realizing it. This condition can be treated with the help of a doctor.

2. Tell the child that his actions were wrong

The initial action when you catch your child stealing is to stop it. Approach him carefully and let him know if stealing is bad deeds and harms other people. Teach children to dig deeper into their empathy. This means that children must learn to feel how sad it is when an object that they have is taken by someone else.

If he is denying stealing, then emphasize honesty. You have to be an example of an honest person so that he can imitate what you do. Always give praise in every honesty and courage, to encourage him to continue to say the truth.

3. Return the stolen item and invite the child to apologize

After explaining that his actions were wrong, you should ask your child to return the item he had stolen. Don't forget to tell the child to apologize to the owner of the item.

Then, teach you to take good care of the toys. Always ask permission when you want to borrow or ask something from someone else. Explain that the child must take good care of the items he borrows and return it when it is used.

4. Apply the penalty if he steals again

In order to make children give up from stealing again, you need to apply punishment. Punishment can make him regret and deter him. Remember, punishing doesn't always use violence. There are many ways to punish and discipline a child that are better than your hands.

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