Meet the Other Phone. Child-safe in minutes.

Meet the Other Phone.
Child-safe in minutes.

Buy now

Please or to access all these features

AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

To ask for advice on how to stop child stealing

82 replies

29andLost · 06/12/2023 17:52

Have posted about my DD stealing before but now the school are aware (she's been caught by teachers twice now)
She's stolen from me before, from makeup to my sweets, to my pens, to money.
The schools response is when my DD is in the cloak room to get her jacket or shoes she will be escorted each and every time and I am completely mortified by this.
I will speak to my DD when I'm home from work but I already know she will shrug or cry and say she doesn't want to speak to me anymore.
But any ideas how to actually get this to stop once and for all? She is 6, 7 in Feb.

OP posts:
OCDmama · 12/12/2023 18:03

I stole things about the same age. I remember once it was two rolls of wallpaper border paper I hid under my mum's bed and was so consumed with anxiety and guilt about it.

As a child I usually 'had' to have something I worried about before going to sleep - I'd make myself think about it every night. I was an anxious child, and looking back I didn't enjoy childhood. My parents broke up suddenly when I was 6, and I had a lot of nightmares about my mum dying which disturbed me. Looking back I can see the correlation.

Please be less angry with your daughter and think about what could be making her act like this. You haven't said much about your home life so far but the answer is probably there.

stargirl1701 · 12/12/2023 18:05

I've taught a few children who 'stole'. All had a diagnosis of ADHD.

29andLost · 12/12/2023 18:45

Nothing happening in home life that would make her act like this, she's not adopted
She has an older brother and two younger sisters.
Both parents still together, never split up and no intention of doing so.

OP posts:
29andLost · 12/12/2023 18:48

I do admit I used to steal as well, but I was 15 and wanted makeup that my mum never wanted me to wear.
So I was old enough to articulate what I was wanting. She's 6. She just clams up whenever I ask her

OP posts:
Hubblebubble · 12/12/2023 18:58

Is it possible to get her play therapy?

Soontobe60 · 12/12/2023 19:01

Singleandproud · 06/12/2023 17:59

Kleptomania is caused by a lack of serotonin so I'd you've tried all other options then a visit to the GP and a blood test maybe in order. Or look at her diet and any nutrients deficiencies and upping both her time in the sun and time doing exercise and other physical activity

Edited

What a ridiculous reply! She’s 6 FFS!

LeopardPrintTits · 12/12/2023 19:26

How much quality time does she get that’s just the two of you? If she has two younger sisters, do you think she feels you spend all of your time looking after them and she feels ignored?

When you do talk to her about it, do you tell her that you’ll love her no matter what and that it’s ok for her to tell you, or do you think she thinks you’re angry about it?

I wonder if some one on one time might help her to open up about it.

New posts on this thread. Refresh page
Swipe left for the next trending thread