my 8 yr old wont stop stealing

[Kia285]

I have an 8 year old daughter who just wont stop stealing, it started when she was in kindergarden, she would take other kids food or toys or whatever she could take, and then lie straight to your face as if nothing happend, Ive taken her toys, Ive taken her tv, video games, radio..I have tried everything possible and nothing seems to work. The bad thing about it my husband (yes her father) is a police officer and AGAIN nothing works..he has went to work and asked other officers and at the end of the day all they can do is scratch their head. It seems unless you have a child like that nobody can understand the pain and embarrasment it causes. I read some of the other blogs because I to am at my wits end. I wish I could say we have problems in the house then at least there would be an excuse..I wish I can say she's underfed because then that would be an excuse, I wish I can say nobody is home to give her a hug and kiss, but none of these things apply, so I dont know if its just rebellion. For God's sake Im married to the law what else can I do..desperate and confused

[Sandman2]

  First, we really need more specific information.  All you have said is that she started in kindergarten.  That was years ago.  What is she doing now?  Is she stealing at school, at home, at stores?  Does she get punished in school and has that made any difference?  What is she taking - things of value only, or many things that really make no sense to take?  Has the stealing gotten worse as she has gotten older?  Does she hang around with other children that steal?
  Second, I can think of things like ADHD where kids don't have very good filters.  They will do something on the spur of the moment and really not even recognize that they did it if asked 5 min. later.  I personally have seen that happen on the playgrounds of my elementary school.  But if this is going on there should be other symptoms.  Check out this link and see if any of it sounds familiar. - http://www.medhelp.org/medical-information/show/2157/Attention-deficit-hyperactivity-disorder-ADHD.
  Please get back to us.
  

[margypops]

Could she be copying you taking her things ..shes doing the same ...? just a thought, maybe less on the punishment and find out WHY she is doing it she seems upset by something ...focus on her positive side and praise her when you see her doing something right ...good luck.

[AnnieBrooke]

I'd go see a child psychologist.  You first (alone) and then your daughter (alone) and see what's up.  Good luck!