What should I do if my child has stolen some candy from a convenience store? How does one approach this situation?

Although it's hard not to get angry if you see your child slip a candy into his pocket but that doesn't mean he is a bad kid or you are a bad parent. You should view your child's stealing as an opportunity to teach right from wrong. ("It's not right to take something without paying. You need to give it back and apologize") Another reason kids may steal is to fit in with their peers. They look around, see what other kids have, and feel bad if they don't have the same things. If you can't stop your little thief with repeated discussions; the stealing is occurring in conjunction with other antisocial behaviors, such as lying or cheating; or your child seems to be stealing in order to buy friendships, the problem may require help from a therapist.