Your child steals. Appalling? A criminal in the making? Too soon to tell. Sometimes the first time that parents discover a beloved teen has turned thief, the stealing has been going on for a while. Still, even the courts are lenient when dealing with a first time offenders; moreover, you are Your child steals. Appalling? A criminal in the making? Too soon to tell. Sometimes the first time that parents discover a beloved teen has turned thief, the stealing has been going on for a while. Still, even the courts are lenient when dealing with a first time offenders; moreover, you are dealing with your child so keep the faith, but don’t ignore the seriousness of violating this particular commandment and law. The right response could mean more than just stopping the stealing, it means strengthening your child and your relationship with your child.