How To Help Children And Youth That Steal Or Shoplift
Practically all children “steal” while they are learning about the moral concepts of “mine,” “yours,” “ours” and paying for things. Children & youth often form habits of stealing or shoplifting when their first attempts are not caught, and met with skillful responses that diminish the excitement and promote self-esteem and self-control. Without redirection, effective punishments & consequences, the excitement of stealing can become addictive, offering short-term satisfaction, stimulation and relief from suffering. It can be a way of connecting with friends. Association with similar children & youth encourages stealing. Habitual stealing can harm relationships, and create pain and suffering. Stealing lowers realistic self-esteem. It can lead to jail terms and loss of opportunity. Habitual stealing can lead to more harmful habits and activities. Stealing can be caused by and complicated by a number of factors including: family relationship patterns; family focus on material possessions and status; lack of family attention, enjoyment, trust and faith; feeling isolated and powerless; low self esteem; depression; boredom; perceptual problems; memory problems; poor impulse control; communication problems and blockages; unexpressed and misdirected anger; poor role models; and peer pressures. Other related factors can include: sleep deprivation; nutrition imbalances; emotional confusion; mental illness; brain injury; poverty and exposure to environmental pollution.
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First, We Would Investigate |
Second, We Would Investigate |
For Long Term Support |
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On your own you can try: • Wholesome Pleasures • Long Walks And Hikes • Back Rubs And Foot Massages • Nature • Pets • Less or No TV • Replace sodas, juices, sugars, fats, fast foods with water, veggies, whole grains, nuts, protein, fruit, slow food • Bedtime Stories and Chats |
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For Parents: • Know where you child or youth is and who they are with. • Get calming support for yourself from friends, schools, religious leaders, and therapists. • Stay connected with other parents who share your concern about this problem. • Stay connected with your child or youth’s friends and their families. • Continually set good examples about theft and being part of society. • Be observant but not suspicious. • Calmly check out stories about new things. • Ensure that stolen things are returned in person with apologies and repayment consequences. • Explain the effect of any theft on others. • Avoid causing fear (which can lead to excitement). • Learn and practice Nonviolent Communication. • Express faith, forgive and ensure temptations are as secure as possible. |
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Check out: www.medlineplus.gov. |