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Child Behavior (Expert Forum)
5 yearld persist on stealing
Answered by
Kevin Kennedy, Ph.D. - Child and Adolescent Psychotherapy, Family Therapy, Crisis Intervention
Harvard Vanguard Medical Associates
This forum is for questions and support regarding child behavior issues such: Child Discipline (behavior management), Normal Child Development, Parent-Child Communications, Social Development
5 yearld persist on stealing
by Ces and Jim, Apr 22, 2004 12:00AM
My 5 year old recently started to steal her classmates' toys or candy. I first noticed it when she came with a barbie book that didn't belong to her. I immediately took action. I made her to return it. I inform to her teacher about this and keep an eye on her. she still takes things from her classmates. So far, in less than 2 weeks prior to this e mail,she stole repeatedly and her teacher has been working close with me in this matter. I went back to school 3 months ago and i wonder if this situation is affecting her and ifit,is why just after 2 months i started school.Other point is that i had friends over from abroad and stayed at my house, they have a 4 year old who only needed to say "I want." and take it weather anyone would say yes or not, often getting away with it. Our girl's response is "because I want it" everytime we ask her why she takes these things. Is there any relation in there. Her dad and i talk to her everytime she does it and make emphasis on how our feelings are hurt when she commits these actions and the consequences she is going to take. Please what other steps I can take to correct this habit.
Doctor's Answer
by Kevin Kennedy, Ph.D., Apr 23, 2004 12:00AM
, Apr 23, 2004 12:00AM
Because of your daughter's young age, it is difficult to discern if her behavior is a reaction to the developments you mentioned. Whatever the case, continue to set a frim limit and be sure to go beyond simply talking. That is, discipline her for any infractions (a fifteen-minute time out, coupled with, for example, loss of TV for an afternoon/evening) and have her return any stolen item. In addition, have her issue an apolgy and do something noce for the person from whom she stole. This is a time in development when children learn that simply desiring something does not mean they can have an item. She'll likely be fine if you are persistent in your expectations, limit-setting and follow-through.
