Pilfering as a childhood problem among children: A parental management approach

This paper addresses the problem of pilfering among the children. It defines what pilfering is and considers it to be a ‘normal’ behaviour among the underage children. It is a problem that can be easily solved. This paper critically explained the causative factors which can lead to pilfering and the reasons why the children steal from stores or the individuals around them.The effects of pilfering both on the children who steal and the victims of their behaviour are enunciated. The ways out of the problem are examined and the channels that should be taken to correct the wrong act are mentioned. The paper concludes by recommending that family should have, and uphold the standard of honesty which is the best policy. The children should be made to realise that the family members are not expected to go below this code of family ethics. The parents are expected to lay good examples for their children to follow in this regard. Recommendation was also made in area of parents being conscious of the needs of their children and giving those needs promptly to prevent them from pilfering to take care of those needs. Finally, it is recommended that parents should find time to tell fairy stories or tales which teach moral behaviours which their children could emulate, this is especially so in case of the parents, living in urban areas with their children, where the life in the cities has rubbed of the moral standard they need to teach their children. They need to lead the children on the path of righteousness.