| Children steal for many reasons, especially children | | | | lock up your purse and valuables out of sight. And |
| with ADHD. If you suspect that your child is | | | | do not allow guests' purses to be left unattended |
| stealing from you, you need to take urgent and | | | | in the house with your child. |
| immediate action before he develops a stealing | | | | If Your Child is Already a Chronic Thief... |
| habit. | | | | It may be worthwhile to post a surveillance |
| Prevention is Key | | | | camera in an area of the house where wallets |
| Have a talk with your child and explain that you | | | | and purses are left most often. Even a fake |
| want to teach him the important skills of honesty. | | | | camera with a blinking light may be persuasive |
| Explain that you want him to take and hold only | | | | enough to prevent stealing. |
| items that are his. And that you are starting a | | | | Explain to your child that if he sees something |
| new rule that if anyone steals anything from a | | | | valuable lying around, it is most likely intended to |
| family member, they must not only return it, but | | | | test his honesty. Practice teaching him to walk |
| also repay 3 times the original value of the item. | | | | right past it without touching it. |
| Illustrate this concept in several ways so you are | | | | Logical Consequences Wok Wonders |
| certain that you child understands what happens if | | | | Train your child values and hold him accountable |
| he steals. Leave some money out in sight and | | | | for his actions with logical consequences. If you |
| watch closely. | | | | use these methods consistently each time you |
| If you notice that some of the money is missing | | | | suspect stealing, your child will probably decide |
| and you suspect that your child took it, explain | | | | that stealing is more trouble than it is worth. |
| the consequences and follow through. Meanwhile, | | | | |