Thief children, how should we act?

---

Adolescence is one of the most difficult age periods in personality formation. It is not uncommon at this age for a child to try to assert himself, get the approval of his peers and become an "adult." And as a result, you may encounter such a negative manifestation of "adulthood" as theft.

Source

Let's try to understand the reasons for this behavior:

Source

• In adolescence, the child tries to gain authority among his peers. To attract the attention of a coveted group of peers, the child can commit robbery. Being accepted into a group for him can be so significant that he will not be afraid of possible punishment.

• Theft can be a desire for revenge. A child in revenge can "order" the offender.

• An underdeveloped volitional sphere in a child is one of the reasons for this behavior. It is difficult for a child to cope with his wishes. He cannot say "no" to his "desire" for himself.

• In a dispute. “Do you feel weak?”: No teenager wants to hear that phrase. A growing child is ready to do much to be accepted by peers.

• Steal for fun. For some children, theft is similar to entertainment. I went to the store to visit, I grabbed something.

What to do to prevent this from happening? How to behave if this has already happened?

Source

• Talk to your child more often, play situations like this. The child must be aware of the possible consequences of such actions.

• If a robbery has already occurred, do not scold the child immediately, speak calmly. Tell him what feelings you feel about his act. The child must understand that he is upset. But at the same time, you should feel that you love him equally and help deal with this problem.

• Try to store valuables at home and always keep money in order. The child must understand that any loss will be noticed immediately.

• The child must have domestic responsibilities. Let him feel helpful and busy. Therefore, learn to enjoy the results of your work, learn to go towards your goal.

• When the reason for the theft is the child's desire to become meaningful among peers, it is necessary to seek other ways to gain authority with him. For example, play sports, develop creative skills, deepen the study. It should be explained that friendship is not bought with money or other material goods.

• If the child is in bad company, you should talk a lot with the child.
It is advisable to tell him with examples and evidence that there are not many true friends. And that true friends will never persuade to commit bad actions.

The child must understand that adolescence is the period in which he chooses which path he will take next. Will it succeed or follow the path of the "curve", which does not always have a positive end?

All conversations should be conducted in a friendly manner, without threats and insults. The child must feel his love and willingness to help him at any difficult time.

Source for information

https://www.conectate.com.do/articulo/que-hacer-cuando-un-hijo-roba-consejos-tips/
https://akroseducational.es/blog/que-hago-si-mi-nino-roba/