What happens when your child comes home from school with things that do not belong to him? What do you do as a parent? Under the age of six, most children have difficulty understanding the concept of private property. They have difficulty understanding that they don't have rights to property that belongs to someone else. This is because children at this age are generally self-centered. They feel that they can take what they want, and often don't understand that this might be wrong.

Because most pre-school-aged children do not yet understand that taking things that belong to others is wrong, it is usually not a good idea for parents to punish them for doing so. Instead, this is an excellent time for parents to begin teaching their children about ownership and the concept that taking things that belongs to others without asking is wrong.

There are many reasons why little children take things which don't belong to them:

• To make themselves feel better
• It is something they have always wanted or craved for
• They would like to have something which is special to someone else or to be like everyone else.

How can you teach your child not to take someone else's things?

• Teach ownership
  While children are very young, it is a good idea for parents to begin teaching their children what ownership means. Parents can explain that people have a right to their own property, and that it is wrong to take something that belongs to someone else. Parents can use examples, such as, "How would you feel if someone wanted your favourite stuffed animal and just decides to take it?" Parents can also use examples that occur in everyday life, such as by explaining to children how one pays for things at the store and borrows books from the library, by pointing out things in the home that belong to different people, what gifts are, etc.
• Teach appropriate ways of getting what one wants
  Parents should teach their children how to get what they want. For example, parents can suggest that children ask for things they want regardless of whether they can have it.
• Develop a close, open relationship with your children
  Parents should make every effort to communicate effectively with their children about their values concerning taking things that don’t belong to them. Children are much more likely to take on the beliefs and values of their parents.
• Show model behaviour
  Parents should set a good example for their children by asking before they borrow things from their family members, and by being open and honest.
• Praise and reward honest behaviour
  Parents should make every attempt to praise their children for being honest. The more parents praise their honesty, the more likely they will continue to be honest in the future.
• Reassure them
  Finally, talk about the behaviour that upsets you but let your child know that you still love him.