They place little or no value on things or belongings. Think about the kid who moved in and out of foster care--every time they were moved they left almost everything that the owned behind. Many of these children moved from home to home with what belongings they had in garbage bags.
Stealing provides two emotional outlets.
1) They are filling a void created by NOT having things when younger.
2) It gives them a sense of control.
These kids often have under-developed conscience. They have to be taught what is right and wrong. Just as you need to tell a toddler hundreds of times to not hit, treat the dog nicely, don't steal - you need to train your kid as if he is a toddler.
You need to give simple and understandable reasons why stealing is bad when it happens. It is essential that the opportunities for theft are kept to a minimum. Use explanations that would make sense to a two or three year old kid.
Children with RAD often
Children with RAD often steal.
They place little or no value on things or belongings. Think about the kid who moved in and out of foster care--every time they were moved they left almost everything that the owned behind. Many of these children moved from home to home with what belongings they had in garbage bags.
Stealing provides two emotional outlets.
1) They are filling a void created by NOT having things when younger.
2) It gives them a sense of control.
These kids often have under-developed conscience. They have to be taught what is right and wrong. Just as you need to tell a toddler hundreds of times to not hit, treat the dog nicely, don't steal - you need to train your kid as if he is a toddler.
You need to give simple and understandable reasons why stealing is bad when it happens. It is essential that the opportunities for theft are kept to a minimum. Use explanations that would make sense to a two or three year old kid.