My 7 year old has been lying and stealing from us for about 3 months now. I really need help with this one because I don't know what else to do. He is my son from my first marriage that didn't last long. My current husband and I have been together for almost 7 years now and we have two other children that require lots of attention (boy 2yrs and girl 1 yr). My ex is a little on the psycho side he's been in and out of my oldest life for years now and has been in and out of rehab.

I know that this is bothering my son and we have made numerous attempts to talk with him about the situation. He's been in counseling for a few months now they've put him on meds to help with his issues, they've even started a behavior chart which worked for about a week, we've even gone above and beyond trying to bribe him with earning back the vacation we are taking next month. He's started lying and stealing from stores and I've made him return the items and pay for them, I've done everything I can think of except calling the police, but on that I was advised not to because it can make him scared to go to the police if something bad were to happen. PLEASE HELP :confused:what else can I do. Sometimes I just want to give up and let him live with his looser dad!

Ok guess I needed to add a little more information... yes my son sees his psycho father still but that is not by choice if I don't I go to jail it's the policy of the court system. That is another reason that he is seeing a psychologist so that maybe she can help me with the court situation. I don't know how any of you mistaked that I said my son goes to the store alone. He does not and never would he does these things while I am there with him and I even watch him like a hawk. Usually when I go out it's just me and him we do do a lot of stuff together because it's hard for me to do a lot with him durning the week my husband works second shift and barely gets any days off. Hope this helps everyone understand that I do try and I am lost as to what to do now.

This may not be what you want to hear but he needs a bit more TLC - tender loving care. Is there a younger child? Young kids often play up when a younger one appears to be getting more attention than they are. If this is the case, plan some little outings for just you two.

And what is a 7 year old doing in stores unsupervised where they can steal from them. I have a 7 year old, and he would not be out of my sight long enough to steal something in a store.

Bribing isn't good at all. He might haven't adjust to the new family or mad because his father isn't around. Kids act up in different ways and maybe you need to talk to him more and show more tlc, like mention above. Also, he needs to understand stealing isn't good and can lead to jail. Sometimes tough love comes into play and the cops might be able to scare him straight or not. You need to do something fast and I hope it all works out but try the motherly approach and spend extra time with him and see how it works out but if he acts up make sure he's not rewarded and give a punishment or take something away and make sure he understand why he's getting punish and explain what he did wrong and why it was wrong. By the way, you stated his father was pyscho does he see his father.

OK so its 2 years later. Has there been a change in your sons behavior yes or no ? What have u done. I am asking because my 7 year old nephew does the same thing and is in the same situation right now. He does not see his father at all. At least not until the restraining order gets lifted. I need to know if its something serious like bipolar or just a growing pain.

This person has never been back.