I predict she will be seeing a psychologist in her future. This could be indicative of mental issues. Any mental health problems in the family?

Seems like a compulsion to me. Makes me wonder if something more serious is going on.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:How did she get away with this for so long? I’d be concerned about supervision.

Read the OP- she was going to the restroom right before lunch then slipping back into the classroom to grab her lunchbox and steal.

DP, but this is baffling to me as well. I'm shocked that the teachers would allow any 6 year old to enter the classroom unsupervised for any length of time. I don't think my kids were allowed to go anywhere in the elementary school building without having either an adult supervising or two classmates accompanying.

Anonymous wrote:Kids do this kind of stuff. I stole stuff when I was a kid. I grew up to be a responsible person who would never steal. I have managed money for 25 years, never steal.

Kids that age don't necessarily really internalize right and wrong and consequences.

I think your kid has learned a lesson and if this becomes a pattern then yes, worry.

Umm this was definitely a pattern

Kids do this kind of stuff. I stole stuff when I was a kid. I grew up to be a responsible person who would never steal. I have managed money for 25 years, never steal.

Kids that age don't necessarily really internalize right and wrong and consequences.

I think your kid has learned a lesson and if this becomes a pattern then yes, worry.

Lots of kids go through a shoplifting/stealing incident or phase. There should be consequences, but have some empathy too - it sounds like she was very upset already and understands that it's serious. I like the idea of writing notes to the friends' whose things she took, and also sharing a story about a time you got in trouble so she can see it's not the end of the world.

Anonymous wrote:There should be a consequence.
But, this is not a huge deal. Sounds like poor impulse control and a bright kid who came up with a good plan.

How it an issue of poor impulse control when it was premeditated and repeated?

Anonymous wrote:I would make it clear it’s a big deal with substantial consequences but be very mindful of overdoing it. Maybe tell her a story abt a time you (or uncle Tim) were in big trouble as a kid and what happened/how you felt. It’s important to know she’ll have a fresh page after this.

I agree. There has to be some balance here.

I would make it clear it’s a big deal with substantial consequences but be very mindful of overdoing it. Maybe tell her a story abt a time you (or uncle Tim) were in big trouble as a kid and what happened/how you felt. It’s important to know she’ll have a fresh page after this.

There should be a consequence.
But, this is not a huge deal. Sounds like poor impulse control and a bright kid who came up with a good plan.

Anonymous wrote:I would not be okay with backpack searching. Yes your DD was wrong but I would address this with the principal as it’s a violation of privacy.

If you don't want your kids' belongings to be searched if the school has a reasonable suspicion they will find evidence of a crime, then don't send your kids to school.

I wouldnt make her write a note to each kid. Kids carry that kind of stuff with them for years. I would make her write to both teachers though and come up with a serious consequence at home.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I would not be okay with backpack searching. Yes your DD was wrong but I would address this with the principal as it’s a violation of privacy.

This is totally appropriate.

Sorry, I meant the backpack searching it appropriate.

If my kid is a thief I would be okay if a teacher searched their belongings. The teacher had already had the evidence.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I would not be okay with backpack searching. Yes your DD was wrong but I would address this with the principal as it’s a violation of privacy.

This is totally appropriate.

Seriously? No wonder kids are out of control with so many excuses for their bad behavior.

Read the very next post. The backpack searching is appropriate.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I would not be okay with backpack searching. Yes your DD was wrong but I would address this with the principal as it’s a violation of privacy.

This is totally appropriate.

Seriously? No wonder kids are out of control with so many excuses for their bad behavior.