There are several things that involve teenagers in theft cases, for example stealing parents' money, supplies or goods from school, or even stealing in a store. Depending on what was stolen, there are legal penalties associated with the act of theft. However, regardless of the value of the stolen goods, theft always causes disgrace, shame and guilt, both for the teenager concerned and his parents if the theft is revealed. There are steps you can take to break your teen's habit of stealing, so that he doesn't get into serious trouble.
Step
Part 1 of 2: Punishment for Stealing
Step 1. Explain the consequences of stealing
You may have found your child stealing money from your wallet, or found stolen items in your child's bag. If your child has committed theft for the first time and has never been charged with a crime, it is important that you discuss the behavior immediately. Explain to him that stealing or taking other people's belongings is illegal and can result in punishment (eg imprisonment). Don't take the situation lightly or try to make fun of it by saying that it's okay for him to steal as long as no one else knows about it. State clearly and unequivocally the consequences of the act of stealing that have the potential to change your child's life.
- Use legal terms to describe penalties relating to cases of theft (e.g., stealing someone else's property, such as a wallet or bicycle) or to larger cases of theft (e.g., stealing with the intent to lose or embezzle someone else's money, such as stealing a wallet or write a fake check).
- The value of the stolen goods will determine the level of theft, whether it is a major theft case or just a form of bad behavior. However, regardless of the extent of the theft, your child could be subject to heavy fines or even imprisonment for several months or years if he is caught stealing.
Step 2. Show your child the consequences of stealing
Another way you can use it is to show (and not just tell) your child what can happen if he is caught stealing. If your child is caught stealing your money or belongings, some parents suggest calling the police and having the police pretend to arrest your child. Police officers may handcuff your child's hands and take him to the police car. In the car, the police officer will explain the punishment for theft and how it can affect your child's future.
This step may be an extreme tactic, and should only be taken if your child steals things directly from you because you are the one who will determine whether or not you sue your child. However, this tactic can make your child afraid and deterrent to commit theft again
Step 3. Implement punishments that require positive action from your child
Instead of corporal punishment or shaming your child which can make your child even more angry and hold grudges, try to focus on creating the type of punishment that requires your child to pay for his mistakes with positive action. Such punishments can show your child that stealing can affect his relationships with those around him, and enable him to learn the value of honesty.
- For example, if you ever catch your child stealing money from his wallet, try punishing him by asking him to pay for all the money he stole. This punishment may take a long time, as he may need to get a job or do certain jobs to earn money. However, he will learn that there are consequences for his actions, gain a greater sense of responsibility by working, and understand that stealing is a bad thing.
- Another punishment you can take is to have your child make amends by doing household chores such as cleaning the house or cooking dinner for a month. In this way, he will do positive things as a form of atonement for his mistakes.
Part 2 of 2: Preventing Your Child From Theft in the Future
Step 1. Ask your child why he wants to steal
Your child may be motivated to steal because of other problems. By identifying the root cause, you can prevent your child from stealing again. Teenagers tend to commit theft for several reasons, including:
- Pressure from the surrounding environment can be the biggest impetus to commit theft. Your child may want a new smartphone or a cool new shoe and feel that the only way to get it is to steal it from someone else, or steal your money so he can buy what he wants. One of the biggest parts of being a teenager is trying to fit in with his environment, and your child may feel pressured to have certain things in order to fit in with his friends at school.
- The need for attention can also be another reason why your child steals. Rather than getting no attention at all, your child may feel that it's better to get attention from others, especially the authorities. He may steal because he knows he will get attention and, eventually, you will.
- Embarrassment or worry about certain items, such as condoms, tampons (female products), birth control, or test packs, can encourage your child to steal these items. Your child may be too embarrassed to go to the pharmacy or ask you for money to buy these items, so he feels that the only recourse he can take is to steal them.
- The tension and preoccupation with doing bad things can also encourage your child to commit theft. Often, teenagers like the tension of doing something bad and participating in risky activities. Almost all teenagers are interested in things that are out of bounds and are considered wrong. Judging from this phenomenon, theft may be one of the ways they use to push the boundaries of the norm and try how far they can go beyond the limits.
Step 2. Provide an alternative source of income for your child
If your child is stealing because they feel they can't afford things like their friends have, encourage your child to get a part-time job outside of school hours or take on other light jobs to increase pocket money. In this way, you help your child learn about responsibility and money management, and allow him the freedom to buy what he wants instead of having to steal it.
Suggest your child to make a financial budget and learn to manage his finances so that he can develop good money management habits
Step 3. Encourage your child to engage in good extracurricular activities
Support your child to focus on developing his abilities and talents with others in a productive way, such as joining a sports team or a particular club at his school. This way, your child will interact with their friends who are more interested in other things (in this case, their interests), other than material things or the latest items that they feel are must-haves.
Step 4. Spend time with your child
Theft can be considered as a form of attention seeking that your child engages in. Don't ignore it. Instead, try to spend time with your child on a regular basis. Show your child that you care about him and what he's interested in by trying to get him to do activities that you both enjoy. You can also watch musical performances that your child likes together.
While you are taking time to chat and be close to your child, you might want to try talking about contraception and condoms if you know that shyness or fear of buying these items is a reason for stealing. Let your child ask some specific questions and have these items available so your child doesn't feel embarrassed when he gets them. If sex is the cause of stealing, try discussing sex with your child
Step 5. Try talking to a counselor or family therapist if your child continues to steal
If your child is caught stealing again, it may be time to contact a counselor or family therapist. Some teens steal because of a deeper problem that, in order to solve it, requires the help of a therapist either individually or with the family. Don't let stealing become a habit for your child, because it can lead to more serious consequences and moral decline for your child.
