| Your five year old is definitely old enough to know he | | | | Good parenting requires that you communicate this |
| should not be taking things without asking or paying for | | | | rule to your child and ensure that they understand that |
| them. In other words he is old enough to know that | | | | next time they will be punished. |
| stealing is not acceptable. If you are like many parents | | | | 4. Another rather tough but necessary good parenting |
| who have arrived home to find there little one had | | | | guidelines for help with child stealing is to hold your child |
| taken something that does not belong to him, utilize | | | | responsible for his actions by having him return the |
| these good parenting guidelines as help for child | | | | item and apologize. This can be a rather stressful task |
| stealing. | | | | so do it together with your child and offer support. This |
| 1. Although you may very well know your child has | | | | task alone will make quite an impact and is often |
| stolen, do not lose your temper and immediately begin | | | | enough to make your child never want to take |
| accusing him. Instead, ask him how he managed to | | | | anything again without asking. |
| pay for that or who gave it to him. Give him a chance | | | | Stealing once or twice as a young child is quite |
| to be honest. Most kids at this age are honest when | | | | common but good parenting skills for handling child |
| they are asked directly about a situation. | | | | stealing requires that you handle the situation calmly, |
| 2. Once you have established that he has stolen, | | | | immediately and seriously. Do not just assume that |
| calmly put across your disapproval. State that stealing | | | | because it is common that it will just pass on it's own. |
| is hurtful to himself, his parents and the people he is | | | | Make sure your child knows the rules of punishment |
| stealing from. Give an example of how he would feel if | | | | and that he is made to return the item and apologize |
| someone stole his favorite toy or his pet. | | | | with your help. If stealing happens often talk to your |
| 3. Let the first offense go with a warning but if it | | | | doctor to see if there could be an underlying problem. |
| happens again you need to put down a punishment. | | | | |