Q: Last week my son came home from school with bulging pockets. I made him give the items back and apologize. But yesterday I received a not that said he had stolen again and lied about it. Is this a phase? deltachild
A: Our son tried this too, and I'm betting that it will pass soon. Make sure that you and the teacher are on the same page. both of you should watch his pockets and remind him that, if he comes home with stuff that isn't his again, he'll lose a privilege of be put in a time-out. Mom2NinoandAlly
Really?!? I realize we are in an age where spanking is taboo and viewed by many as child abuse, but if "proper discipline" would equate stealing to a time-out I think we have fallen beyond lax in our parenting standards. I believe the punishment should fit the crime, and in the REAL WORLD stealing would get jail time. Just because they don't punish children on the same scale as adults, that doesn't mean we shouldn't be driving home the idea that this is a serious offense. Personally, if this were my child I would have a serious talk with him, then I would subject him to community service. 40 hours of working with the underprivileged, at a food shelf, etc. will show him a couple of things. If he is "acting out" to get attention, volunteering with him would give him the attention he needs, but in a proper and healthy setting. If he is stealing because he is envious and coveting his neighbors belongings, than spending time with people that have considerably less than he does should knock that out of him as well. Plus, in the real world criminals are given community service for this very reason. If the child was older I would also have him watch a documentary on prison, and make a point that he does NOT want to go there. That stealing is wrong in every way - morally, Biblically, and socially. It scares me to think that a popular mainstream magazine such as Parents would be doling out such harmful advice! I will be writing them a letter on this one!
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