5 Year Old Stealing

I think most kids go through this, in some form, around five years of age. I agree that having him earn his own money is a good idea. I would also make him return whatever he takes, by himself, and apologize. Make sure to point out to him that stealing is a crime. And kids can get in trouble with the police for crime, too. Long term loss of priviledges does not really work on this age group, in my experience. They really can't get disciplined in any way that lasts longer than about 5 minutes, because they start to forget why they are being punished.

I would have him start by actually earning money. So he can understand the value of it. If he steals have him pay retribution to the person he stole from in addition to the restrictions. Have a chore chart with an allowance. Have him put half the money in the bank or in a piggy bank. If it happens again explain to him that he needs to pay a "fine" out of his bank. Kids love having money and hate parting with it. Maybe that will be the catalyst that reminds him of the consequences of stealing!

Well as like everyone else said my 8 yr. old boy did this too when he was 5. However, his teacher and I started checking his pockets in the morning and at the end of the day. He did not care for that at all and it didn't take long for him just to give up. This way you don't have to spend all your time disciplining him which I know gets old.

I would suggest him doing chores to earn his own money for things that he wants. I have problems with my oldest not stealing but not doing homework to take everything away gives them the attitude that they dont care and even though they can gradually earn things back its not enough. Tell him you will give him chores that he can do to have his own money and how he would feel if someone went in his room and took his money he had earned all week and see if that helps. My 7 year old dust around the house and does little things and it teaches them responsibility at an early age.

I think he may be acting lut because he not with his bm. maybe set aside time to spend wth him only and do something he enjoys.
also just talk to him about how he feels give him the opportunity to express himself.