What should parents do when they find out their children steal money?
When children steal money, if parents do not have a tactful way to handle it, it can easily lead to children reoffending or having negative reactions.
PageVerywell FamilyGive 5 things parents need to do to help children know their mistakes and correct them.
1. Find out why children steal money
Talking about the reasons why children steal money, Jerome F. Brodlie, a doctor of child and adolescent psychology at Columbia University, USA, said that the theft behavior can be due to economic deprivation. For example, when going to school, friends around buy snacks while children do not have money to buy. And children steal money from their parents to satisfy their spending needs.
When children steal money, parents need to find out the reason carefully. If the monthly allowance is too low, it can be increased for the child. In addition, parents need to explain and clearly show the child that even if necessary, they cannot take money from their parents without permission. While talking, parents should try to control their emotions, do not yell or hit the child to deter them.
Speaking gently and calmly will help children feel remorseful and avoid unwanted negative reactions. In many cases, parents are too angry, making children afraid and often tend to react to protect themselves, denying their wrongdoing.
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Parents should stay calm when they discover their children stealing money. Photo:VerwellFamily |
2. Always emphasize honesty with children
If parents talk about honesty often, it will help prevent lying and stealing in the long run. In addition, parents should always show their children the good results of being honest and praise them whenever they honestly admit their mistakes.
Once children know how to correct their mistakes, parents should not bring up the past or old mistakes again.
3. Teach children to respect other people's property
To help children understand property ownership, parents should apply it to their own belongings first. For example, every time you want to borrow something from your child, you should ask your child first and only take it when they agree. Over time, your child will understand and respect the property rights of others. They will not touch their parents' belongings or money without permission.
4. If you steal money from strangers
In case your child did not steal money from his parents but from someone else, the most important thing is to make him return the money immediately and apologize to the victim. Write an apology letter with your child and return it to the person who lost it.
During the process, explain that the action was wrong and encourage the child to admit his mistake.
5. Show children the consequences of stealing money.
Parents should show their children the consequences of stealing so that they will be afraid and not dare to do it again. In addition, parents should give some punishments such as doing housework so that children can see the hardship and learn to appreciate money more.