stealing

my 10 year old son is stealing... AGAIN... this started 2 years ago when he was 8. he has had 3 visits to the police station. last month broke into my neighbors house luckily didn't steal anything. He shows no remorse for his actions whatsoever. We have tried all kinds of punishment and don't know what to do with him anymore. Nothing bothers him. He told us last nite that the cops can't do anything due to his age and he's rite. We just don't know what to do anymore. It's stealing money now but what is next? A car?

I would appreciate any help with this.

[April2]

I think this child needs much more adult supervision. How is he able to get out by himself in order to break into someone's house? I think you need to pull in the reigns big time. He should not be allowed ANYWHERE without you, except school. If he balks just calmly explain that he has broken your trust and so therefore he cannot go anywhere without you, even outside to play with friends. I'd watch what kind of friends he has, too. Does he hang out with older kids? I have a feeling he's getting some of this from his peers. How would he know the cops won't do anything at his age unless someone told him? He needs to take this seriously. If this is not caught early he will wind up in juvy or prison. It's just going to get worse.
Next time he tries to tell you the cops won't do anything, tell him that's beside the point. What he is doing is wrong, plain and simple. It's taking something that doesn't belong to him. Ask how he would feel if someone took something of his? Well, that's how these people feel about him taking their things. If the cops won't do anything yet they will before too long. You are his parent. You should be enacting the law. I don't know what kind of punishment you've tried before but I think it might not be enough. If it were my child I would take away every priviledge. They would not be able to go anywhere without Mom or Dad. No friends or playdates, no phone, tv, Ipod, computer, nothing! If they complain that they're bored, too bad. They can read a book. I think I'd have him write a letter of apology to the people he stole from, too, and ask the people what he can do to make restitution. Have him mow their yard for the next month, and take him to and from there and watch. He can complain all he wants. It's not supposed to be fun. It's better than prison, right? You've got to get a handle on this before it gets any worse. Don't worry about whether he'll be mad at you or won't like you. It's our job to be a parent not their friend. He needs to earn back your trust and it's a long road to earn that back. Stick to your guns. He'll thank you when he's grown.