50 Ways Teens Get Trouble

The Problem
You've received a call that your child has been picked up for shoplifting. You can't believe this has happened - your child knows that stealing is wrong. Why did she do it?

Children shoplift for various reasons. A preschooler may take something from a store simply because she wants it and doesn't recognize that it's wrong to take the item without paying for it. Older children know that shoplifting is wrong, but may lack self- control. Teens often steal because they don't have the money to get what they want, simply for the thrill of it, or in response to a dare. And in some instances, shoplifting is a cry for help because of emotional pain or anger.

Teens seldom realize that shoplifting is a crime that affects others. Every year, businesses raise prices or even are forced out of business because of theft. And the employees of those that stay open may develop a negative opinion about teens. Some stores even have policies restricting the number of teenagers who can enter the store at one time.

What To Do
Teach your child from an early age that shoplifting is stealing, and that it affects both his life and the lives of other people. Not only might he get banned from a store or face legal consequences, but those who are with him may be under suspicion, too. And stores that close due to theft losses mean fewer local jobs for teens.

It may be helpful to do some role-playing so that she has practice resolving situations that may come up. For example, what would she say to a friend who dared her to shoplift something or to distract a store clerk while another person took something? It takes lots of courage for a teen to stand up to others who are encouraging her to do wrong, so she needs all the help she can get in brainstorming how to react in such situations.

If your teen has been caught shoplifting, try to stay calm. Talk with your teen about what happened, and try to get to the root of the problem so that underlying issues can be resolved. Is the behavior a reflection of stress or anger? Is there a pattern of shoplifting to support a drug habit?

If the shoplifting is a first-time offense, talking about the crime and how it affects businesses - and arranging a visit with the store's owner to apologize and make amends - may be sufficient consequences. If your child has stolen on more than one occasion, consider seeking professional help to properly address the cause of the behavior.