My 23 year old son steals, he has been doing this off and on since age 12, taught by my live-in boyfriend of 10 years. He, boyfriend, moved out in 2000. Thought I would rehabilitate my son, but no success. My son recently lost a very good job because they caught him stealing... cash! Then one month ago he stole 100. Dollars from my 75 year old mother, his grandmother. He finally admitted it to me and of course my family thinks I should disown him... but I think he honestly can't help it, because he's been doing it so long and his deceased biological father was a thief. Can this be hereditary? Or because he learned at such a young age?

Kleptomania - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Why Teens Shoplift on MedicineNet.com

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Originally Posted by gina54kell

My 23 year old son steals, he has been doing this off and on since age 12, taught by my live-in boyfriend of 10 years. He, boyfriend, moved out in 2000. Thought I would rehabilitate my son, but no success. My son recently lost a very good job because they caught him stealing.......cash! Then one month ago he stole 100. dollars from my 75 year old mother, his grandmother. He finally admitted it to me and of course my family thinks I should disown him.....but I think he honestly can't help it, because he's been doing it so long and his deceased biological father was a thief. Can this be hereditary? Or because he learned at such a young age?

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You should ask this as a separate question because one is learned behavior and the OP is most likely dealing with different issues. I really don't want to give two separate replies on one post.

It is likely that he is just a criminal... or, perhaps, he has sociopathic personality disorder.

If I were you, I would have him seen by a psychiatrist to see if he has the sociopath personality. If he does, you will just have to forget about helping him, there is no chance for improvement.

No, one that does this normally does not even know they are doing it and when found out are very very sorry and will work hard to repay it all.

It sounds like he has been babies and helped every time it happens and has never had to face up for his actions fully.

I is time to cut him loose and make him be held responible, Hard love or you may be seeing him on visiting day at the local jail.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by gina54kell

My 23 year old son steals, he has been doing this off and on since age 12, taught by my live-in boyfriend of 10 years. He, boyfriend, moved out in 2000. Thought I would rehabilitate my son, but no success. My son recently lost a very good job because they caught him stealing.......cash! Then one month ago he stole 100. dollars from my 75 year old mother, his grandmother. He finally admitted it to me and of course my family thinks I should disown him.....but I think he honestly can't help it, because he's been doing it so long and his deceased biological father was a thief. Can this be hereditary? Or because he learned at such a young age?

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How do I look for an answer to the questions I asked yesterday on this site?

Never disown your child, he needs you when he is trouble more than when he is doing fine. Pray for him and remember that with God all thing are possible. God so loved your son that He gave His Son a ransom for him. There is hope, you are not alone. The mighty is on your side if you call on His name.