As a parent, you want to be enough for your child and provide for everything they need.
However, getting a call to steal something from a store can be a rude wakeup call.
While it is easy to fly off the handle immediately, it is best to know how to discipline a shoplifting girl, so it doesn’t happen again.
Learn more on disciplining techniques
Reasons why a girl would shoplift
One of the main reasons a girl would shoplift is to get something they need or want but can’t afford—being near so much shiny new stuff inside a store maybe a little too much temptation for her.
On the other hand, a girl may also shoplift when bored even if she can afford to buy the product.
It could also be about peer pressure and trying to fit in with friends who are doing the same thing.
How To Discipline A Shoplifting Girl
Shoplifting something small, like lipstick or a pair of earrings, may not seem like a big deal at the moment but can end up having far-reaching consequences.
That’s why your girl needs punishment somehow so that this behaviour can be discouraged immediately.
Some of the best discipline methods for shoplifting include:
1. Face-to-face apology
For most children that shoplift, there may seem to be no downside to it.
After all, they are probably taking from a big store that will replace the item almost immediately.
However, those missing items still need to be paid for, which can come out of the store manager’s pocket.
If it’s a small store, the stolen items cut into the profits that affect the bottom line and lead to closure if it happens frequently enough.
When caught, the girl must see that there are consequences to her actions by apologizing in-person to everyone affected.
2. Offer restitution
Most stores will insist that you pay for the stolen items as well as a small fine for all the trouble caused.
The girl may also be banned from the store for some time, though you can offer her time to work off the store’s debt.
3. Involve the law
In more serious cases, the store can decide to press charges against the girl.
If this happens, get a good lawyer who will let you know what your options are.
This is serious and has the potential to go on her permanent record and affect future prospects based on her age.
4. Monitor their belongings and surroundings
Even when caught, a shoplifting girl can do it again, so it is important to keep a close eye on what they have.
If you see something that you didn’t get her, make sure you find out where it came from.
Make sure also to vet her friends to be sure that they are a good influence on her.
A shoplifting child can quickly lose your trust, not to mention cause you a lot of embarrassment.
However, it’s not the end of the world! Knowing how to discipline a shoplifting girl will guarantee that never happens again.
Mo Mulla is a work from home dad who enjoys reading and listening to music, He loves being a dad and husband to a growing family. He also loves writing about his passions and hopes to change the world, 1 blog post at a time!
