How many know children or had children who stole before they understood?

[Nikepallas]

I was talking to a friend of mine who was telling me that her 2 year old niece took something and placed it in her little purse. I remember in college psychology class this idea came up with the idea okay at which age do people start to understand right and wrong. Then I found this old article on the back of an another article I was keeping (had a couple great receipts) Article I came across said a store owner wanted a woman arrested because her 18 month old picked up a pack of gum and walked out with it.


So I ask being honest. And understanding.

[skygazer]

1. I don't recall any of them taking anything at that young an age

My son came home from school one day with some candy from the little store near the bus stop. They sold penny candy and stuff. I asked him how he'd gotten it and he was all flustered - he was only about 6 or 7. He'd been with his friends who'd bought some candy and he wanted some too. So he took a couple of items.

He knew darn well it was wrong - it was obvious in how he told me. I simply asked him gently, "And was that the right thing to do?" and he just puckered up and cried.

So I took him back to the store and he told the lady there and apoligised and she, thank goodness, didn't say, "oh, that's all right, you can have it." She just listened quietly, took the candy back and said, "all right then." And that was it.

As far as I know, he never stole anything again. He's 17 now.

[Mabeline]

2. Mine aren't old enough to do that

yet.. I'd say almost all children do at least once.