DS stealing

We’ve noticed that DS has been stealing a lot lately. He was taking desserts and lying about them last week when he was with me. I also hid behind an aisle at Target and watched him almost steal something (thankfully he put it back). My ex told me tonight that he stole a kid’s Pokémon card today at camp and we realized that he’s been stealing for a few weeks (came home with $3 that he “found”, I saw little figures that he said someone gave him, etc).

My ex punished him but how do we get him to stop completely?

DS stealing

I would start with asking him why he is stealing? first see what he says. Since you're divorced maybe he is worried about something, maybe something is going on at school, with friends etc

you cant stop the problem without knowing why first

Message edited 7/25/2018 10:01:08 PM.

DS stealing

Ex tried talking to him about it yesterday but he started crying and wouldn't talk. When I tried talking to him last week, he put a blanket over his head and wouldn't talk to me. We both tried to assure him that we love him and that we know he's a good kid, but he still wouldn't talk about it.

DS stealing

Since you have tried to talk to him about it already, at this point I would make it clear that there will be a punishment if it continues.

DS stealing

I told him last week that from now on I would have zero tolerance (I'm usually a softie when it comes to punishments) - 2 days without devices. My ex said he couldn't bring Pokemon cards to camp the rest of the week.

I'm going to check his backpack and his pockets (without him knowing) each time I pick him up to make sure nothing gets by me next week. Hopefully we can stop it now before he really does start stealing stuff from stores.

Re: DS stealing

I am dealing with the same thing. Glad to see my son isnt the only one stealing and sneaking food. I don't really, know what to do. I talk, scold and punish him. It's hard because he will just go numb and give a blank stare or cry.

My son is 9 going to be 10 in October. He has stolen my headphones, 100 dollars and my little purse.

My son is also borderline ADD and I always go back to what the dr. said when he was diagnosed "they look for instant gratification".

I was thinking if it get worse, to put him in therapy.

Re: DS stealing

My sister took a magnet from the store when she was little (maybe 7?). She begged my mom for it and she said no. When we got to the car, I saw it in her hand and told my my mom. She was sooo pissed. She marched her right back in the store and went to the manager and made her tell the manager what she did and give it back. Then my mom asked the mgr. not to call the police on my sister as long as she promised to never do it again. My sister was crying but promised to never do it again. Last time she ever took anything.

Re: DS stealing

Posted by Dolphinsbaby

My sister took a magnet from the store when she was little (maybe 7?). She begged my mom for it and she said no. When we got to the car, I saw it in her hand and told my my mom. She was sooo pissed. She marched her right back in the store and went to the manager and made her tell the manager what she did and give it back. Then my mom asked the mgr. not to call the police on my sister as long as she promised to never do it again. My sister was crying but promised to never do it again. Last time she ever took anything.

Re: DS stealing

Posted by Dolphinsbaby

Maybe I should call the cops on my DS

Message edited 7/26/2018 4:23:51 PM.

Re: DS stealing

Posted by Funkybutt

Posted by Dolphinsbaby

Maybe I should call the cops on my DS

I thought about it when I was watching DS debate whether or not to take something from Target the other day. I just didn't know if that would scar him for life and give him nightmares (especially since his dad & I split up last year). But it may come to that!

Re: DS stealing

Message edited 7/26/2018 9:35:18 PM.

DS stealing

I don’t think he has anything going on. I don’t think anyone’s mean to him at camp. The divorced mom in me wants to blame it on my ex (he’s been letting his gf spend the night more frequently while DS is there) but DS said she treats him well and everything is fine. We thought about a therapist before but my ex never actually took him ( DS is under his insurance and it’s hard for me to get off work). I’ve talked to DS about therapy before - he knows I go and that I find it helpful, but he said he doesn’t want to go to one himself.