Why do six year olds steal

The respect for property continues in the school-aged child. By the time the child is 9, the child should respect the possessions of others and understand that stealing is wrong. Children in this age group may continue to steal because of several factors, including the following:.

They may try to become good at stealing to feel proud of something they have done if they don't receive positive feedback from their parents.

Children older than age of 3 should be confronted with any lying or stealing, but it is important to remember that most of these behaviors are part of growing up and do not represent severe problems. Each child is unique, and your child's healthcare provider should be involved with any concerns. Health Home Conditions and Diseases. Handling the situation when your child is lying When confronted with a child who is lying, it is important to first remember the child's age and developmental stage.

Other factors that may cause a child to lie These factors include: Children may lie if their parents' expectations of them are too high. Children who are not disciplined on a consistent basis may lie. Children who don't receive praise and rewards may lie to get this attention.

When does lying become a concern? Some may steal as a cry for help because of emotional or physical abuse they're enduring. In other cases, kids and teens steal because they can't afford to pay for what they need or want — for example, they may steal to get popular name-brand items.

In some cases, they may take things to support drug habits. Whatever the reason for stealing, parents need to get to the root of the behavior and address other underlying problems, like drug abuse, that may surface. When a child has been caught stealing, a parent's reaction should depend on whether it's the first time or there's a pattern of stealing. With very young children, parents need to help them understand that stealing is wrong — that when you take something without asking or paying for it, it hurts someone else.

If a preschooler takes a piece of candy, for instance, parents can help the child return the item. If the child has already eaten the candy, parents can take the child back to the store to apologize and pay for it.

With school-age kids, too, it's important to return the stolen item. By the first and second grades, kids should know stealing is wrong. But they may need a better understanding of the consequences. Your support will help us continue to produce and distribute Facts for Families , as well as other vital mental health information, free of charge. You may also mail in your contribution. Box , Washington, DC The American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry AACAP represents over 9, child and adolescent psychiatrists who are physicians with at least five years of additional training beyond medical school in general adult and child and adolescent psychiatry.

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Because they trust their parents, connected kids are also more likely to come clean when confronted. Children will take money from family members almost as though it is community property.

Money should be kept in a locked box which is stored in a secret place. You should also keep your money inaccessible, except for smaller amounts in your purse or wallet that must be asked for.

And, we will not be put in the position of being responsible for the safe-keeping of money for those old enough to do it themselves. Siblings, after all, are not the only possible suspects.

This is in itself a good lesson for life. Toddlers have no concept of ownership and stealing. Everything belongs to a two-year-old. Correct wishful ownership. What would you want him to do? Getting the thief to give back the goods sometimes requires masterful negotiating.

Encouraging and helping the child to return stolen goods teaches not only that stealing is wrong but also that wrongs must be made right.