FMP - Brief 1 - Stealing - Content

Stealing

The importance of knowing about stealing and possession

How product will help

Source: http://family.go.com/parenting/pkg-school-age/article-798472-teaching-your-child-not-to-steal-t/

At one time or another, most young children will take something that doesn't belong to them. They believe everything is theirs. As adults we call it stealing, but do children really perceive it as such?

"Children in the preschool years are often mixed up in their real and make believe worlds," says Dr. Maurice Barbezieux, a child psychiatrist at Montreal's Sacré Coeur Hospital. "Adults will call it stealing, but children do not always see it like that. They don't yet have the understanding of the cause and effect stealing has. When they want something -- they'll take it. Many times they don't give it a second thought."

As parents, we know stealing is not an acceptable behavior. That's a fundamental law in all cultures and societies. Children may not have mastered all the laws of society, but they have to learn them. Until they do, they may take things that don't belong to them. How can you help your child to comprehend that stealing is unacceptable?

"A preschool child will begin to understand that taking an object that belongs to someone else is wrong from seeing our reactions," says Dr. Barbezieux. "Parents and other caregivers demonstrate their disapproval -- just as the owner of the toy will."

Impulse Stealing

-- The child may want a toy, and without giving its ownership a second thought, he takes it and puts it in his pocket. His action might be impulsive, but he knows it is not right and hides the object.

Peer Pressure

-- Children learn early to dare other children or to tell them they must prove themselves in order for them to fit in.

Attention Seeking

-- Lack of self-esteem coupled with personal, home or school problems sometimes cause children to steal. Even negative attention is attention, and these children desperately need to be noticed.

What to Do

It's important to make it clear to kids that stealing isn't okay, but it's just as important not to over-react. How can parents find the right balance?

"Start early, before an incident happens, by discussing what's acceptable and what isn't in your household," Dr. Barbezieux explains. "Tell your child what your beliefs are. Keep your discussions brief. Ask your child how he would feel in this situation. Try to get a sense of empathy for the owner. It's not a pleasant experience to have your things taken away from you, is it?"

Set your limits now before something happens. Values such as honesty, sensitivity and friendliness must be established as early as possible. Help them understand the concept of ownership. If you see your child take a toy away from a friend, immediately make him return it. Use this opportunity to teach about ownership, respect and sharing.

Discuss the consequences of stealing. Explain that stealing hurts people: the victim who lost a toy and the child who can't share a stolen toy both suffer. Teach your child that he won't be "in" with his peers if he steals. Help him select good friends who will support him and not push him to bad behaviors.

Content:

It is important to make it clear to your child that stealing isn't acceptable. By starting early your child can gain an understanding of the concept of ownership, and the effects that stealing has on themselves and the victim. This product will allow an aid of teaching your child about not to steal, by labelling what is their and what is not.