I have a 13 yr old son who has had issues with taking things that were not his since he was little. 2nd- 3rd grade I just grounded him and returned stuff or bought knew to replace to classmates. I thought everything was fine. I sent him to Ecuador were we lcame from, for summer vacation to be with his grandparents and friends. He came back and about three weeks ago I got a phone call from the police station to go get him because he was cought shoplifting ( some antivirus and games for computer) I went and picked him up he cried and cried said he did not know what is happening to him. The police told me that this was not the first time he was in this store stealing, they just could not catch him before. When I told my mom about it over the phone she told me that while in Ecuador when he went to visit his best friend he stole 5 t shirts... was a mess my parents were embarrassed with the whole situation. After the police situation he has not been allowed to go anywhere unless with me and/or his step dad. We have allowed some friens of him over and took away all his games, computer and more. I thought that was going to be enough but no. today we went to church and I had a 5 dollar bill in my daughter's stroller to use for emergencies. Then we went to eat an early lunch. When I checked on the stroller the 5 dollar bill was gone. I asked he denied it, then I got very upset and asked him to empty pockets while he continued to deny. Then I threatened him to call the police on him if needed. And to tell me the truth. Then he just said mom I am sorry. I slapped him and got in the car while he cried non stop, hitting himself and telling me that he does not want to do it but can't help it. I NEED HELP! I do not have a family doctor to recommend a psycologist. Is there a group like AA for people with stealing problems? Kleptomania? Anxiety support?

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Originally Posted by Maria_Moreno

I have a 13 yr old son who has had issues with taking things that were not his since he was little. 2nd- 3rd grade I just grounded him and returned stuff or bought knew to replace to classmates. I thought everything was fine. I sent him to Ecuador were we lcame from, for summer vacation to be with his grandparents and friends. He came back and about three weeks ago I got a phone call from the police station to go get him because he was cought shoplifting ( some antivirus and games for computer) I went and picked him up he cried and cried said he did not know what is happening to him. the police told me that this was not the first time he was in this store stealing, they just could not catch him before. when I told my mom about it over the phone she told me that while in Ecuador when he went to visit his best friend he stole 5 t shirts.... was a mess my parents were embarassed with the whole situation. after the police situation he has not been alowed to go anywhere unless with me and/or his step dad. We have allowed some friens of him over and took away all his games, computer and more. I thought that was going to be enough but no. today we went to church and I had a 5 dollar bill in my daughter's stroller to use for emergencies. then we went to eat an early lunch. when I checked on the stroller the 5 dollar bill was gone. I asked he denied it, then I got very upset and asked him to empty pockets while he continued to deny. then I threatened him to call the police on him if needed. and to tell me the truth. then he just said mom I am sorry. I slapped him and got in the car while he cried non stop, hitting himself and telling me that he does not want to do it but can't help it. I NEED HELP!! I do not have a family doctor to recomend a psycologist. Is there a group like AA for people with stealing problems? kleptomania? anxiety support?

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You need to find someone who will recommend a counsellor, social worker, professional. You said you go to Church - ask your Pastor for assistance and a recommendation. What you are doing is obviously not working and he needs help - as do you because this will only spiral out of control and if you are hitting him you could very well get into trouble with the authorities.

You need to help your son, yourself, your husband, your family, by seeing how to handle this in a better way.

You son needs to be evaluated by a mental health professional. You can get referrals from your local school, your physician or friends and neighbors.

He could have anti-social personality disorder, so that has to be ruled out by a professional.

Best Wishes,

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Originally Posted by Choux

You son needs to be evaluated by a mental health professional. You can get referrals from your local school, your physician or friends and neighbors.

He could have anti-social personality disorder, so that has to be ruled out by a professional.

Best Wishes,

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I also think the mother needs to talk to someone if she is striking the child - I understand the situation and he is certainly pressing all of her buttons but this is also dangerous and escalating behavior, apparently on both sides.

I, for one, am sorry you must deal with this problem. Maybe you can find a hotline to call. Try contacting a local school guidance counselour

JKT, I can't believe I missed her striking him... I'm so careful reading the questions on this board.

Yes, mom needs to be interviewed, too.

Thanks for the help. :)

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Originally Posted by Choux

JKT, I can't believe I missed her striking him...I'm so careful reading the questions on this board.

Yes, mom needs to be interviewed, too.

Thanks for the help. :)

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No problem - easy to happen. I just see this spiraling out of control.