Stealing money by children is a thorny problem that many parents have encountered, and it can not only make parents feel angry and disappointed, but also make children feel inferior and guilty. The behavior of children stealing money is often motivated by some psychological need or motivation, rather than simple greed or malice.
If parents fail to identify and solve this problem in time, it may lead to serious damage to the child's character and personality. So, why do children steal money? What are the causes and solutions?
The reason why the child steals money
According to the research of psychologists, there are mainly the following reasons for children to steal money:
Lack of pocket money. This is one of the most common reasons. When children reach a certain age, they will have their own consumption needs and social needs, such as buying snacks, toys, books, games, etc., or inviting classmates to eat and give gifts.
If parents do not give their children appropriate pocket money, or give too little and too little, it will make the child feel unfair and dissatisfied, thus tempting them to steal money from home or others.
Lack of education and guidance. This is another important reason. Some parents do not educate and guide their children enough, do not cultivate their correct understanding and values of money in a timely manner, do not teach them how to manage and use money reasonably, and do not tell them the consequences and harm of stealing money.
This will make children develop a blind pursuit and dependence on money, thinking that money can bring everything, regardless of morality and law.
Lack of care and communication. This is also a common reason. Some parents are busy with work or other things, neglect to care and communicate with their children, do not give them enough attention and support, do not understand their thoughts and feelings, and do not meet their emotional needs.
This will make the child feel lonely and empty, and produce a feeling of being left out and ignored. To compensate for this psychological deficiency, they steal money to get a thrill and satisfaction.
Lack of self-control and responsibility. This is also a reason that cannot be ignored. Some children lack self-control and a sense of responsibility due to the influence of personality, environment or other factors, cannot control their impulses and desires, and cannot bear the consequences of their actions.
When they see something they like or need, they find ways to get it, whether it's appropriate, reasonable, or legal.
They steal money just to satisfy themselves on the spur of the moment, without considering the impact on themselves, their families, and society.
The solution for children to steal money
In the face of children's theft of money, how should parents deal with it? Here are some possible solutions:
Give your child appropriate pocket money. This is the most basic step. Parents should give their children reasonable pocket money according to their age, personality, needs, family economic situation and other factors, so that they have a certain degree of independent consumption and autonomy.
At the same time, parents should also educate and guide their children how to use pocket money reasonably, how to save and plan, how to balance income and expenditure, and how to avoid waste and squandering.
Strengthen education and guidance. This is the most important step. Parents should educate their children about money in a timely manner, let them understand the hard-won and valuable nature of money, let them know the mistakes and dangers of stealing money, and let them establish a correct view of money and values.
At the same time, parents should also set an example for their children, influence and infect their children with their words and deeds, and let them see the beautiful qualities such as honesty, hard work, thrift, and dedication.
Increase care and communication. This is the most efficient step. Parents should spend more time and energy caring for and accompanying their children, giving them enough attention and support, understanding their thoughts and feelings, and meeting their emotional needs.
At the same time, parents should also communicate and communicate with their children more, establish close and trusting relationships, let them feel the warmth and happiness of the family, and let them have a sense of belonging and security.
Develop self-control and responsibility. This is the hardest step. Parents should appropriately give their children some challenges and pressures, so that they can learn to control their impulses and desires in practice and learn to bear the consequences of their actions.
At the same time, parents should also give their children some opportunities and space, so that they can learn to make correct choices and judgments in the process of trying, and learn to be responsible for themselves, their families, and society.
epilogue
Stealing money by children is an issue that requires special attention from parents, which not only involves the child's character and personality, but also involves the child's growth and future.
When parents face this problem, do not simply use scolding or neglect to deal with it, but try to rationally analyze the cause and find a solution.
Only in this way can we truly help children break the habit of stealing money and cultivate them to become moral, capable, responsible, and happy people.