Help, I think my DD is Stealing Things from School

[PickledMuffin]

My DD is 5 and started reception in September. Recently she's been coming home staying 'look mummy XXX gave me this hair band' or next day 'look mummy XXX gave me this bracelet' or 'look XXX gave me this keyring' it's becoming frequent now so now i think she may be taking things (say twice a week).

How would you approach this without sounding like you're accusing them?

I’d try be gentle with her and point out how kind it is for them to share their things but sadly we can’t keep them so will take it back tomorrow. I’d ask what she perhaps swapped to gain these nice things too.

I would also raise it to the school, make them aware incase they have any info to share but so they can also be a look out to make sure she’s not taking things.

You make her give them back the next day.

My dd was always taking stuff in at that age to give to friends so don’t assume your dd is stealing she may actually be given things

When mine was at this stage, it was normal for them to give each other things, but stealing was also happening, and as they get older the drama can get out of hand. Plus I wasn't certain exactly what was going on. So I just said no more, don't take anything to school and don't take anything from friends. Usually it's a class rule anyway, for same reasons. It's just distracting from learning.

thanks for the replies. this is the issue, as i am not sure if it is actually children giving her stuff or if she is taking them 🤷‍♀️

I suppose i'll have to see if she comes home with something again and then maybe ask the parent?

Remove small object from your child, and return it to the teacher. They can then work out what’s going on, and prevent a fairly minor issue escalating. Don’t take it up with other parents. Often this ends badly.

Tell her she can keep it for the night, then return it tomorrow- make sure she does it in the morning, and then check with said child in the afternoon. Don't go to her teacher or parents, let the kids sort it so there's no accusations flying around.