These discussion prompts are to help you discuss the morality and implications of stealing with children aged 5-9 years. This can be inspired by reading Spid the Spider Plans a Birthday Surprise or Spid the Spider Investigates a Mystery at Easter as in both of these stories something belonging to others mysteriously disappears! Here are some discussion points on stealing to ask your children.
1. What is stealing?
Stealing is to take the property of another wrongfully and especially as a habitual or regular practice.
2. What are the rights and wrongs of stealing?
Strictly the definition of the word implies that stealing is a wrong? Though you could discuss with your child whether there are any circumstances where stealing could be considered right. Then via a show of hands, ask the children to vote on whether stealing is a right or wrong.
It also helps to discuss the intention of the so-called thief. Perhaps the intention was to borrow, to give to people with low income (as in the instance of Robin Hood) or to remedy a wrong. There have been reasons where people facing trial for theft have successfully used diminished responsibility or accident as a mitigating reason for theft. You could also discuss if these reasons are reasonable.
3. How do you put wrongs right?
Here you could ask children to suggest possible resolutions, and also introduce the concept of the severity of the theft. Possible remedies include:
- returning the stolen item
- apologising for the theft
- paying for the item
- undertaking community service
- paying a fine
- serving a prison sentence
You could also discuss how crimes are tried in legal systems, whether by judge or jury, and the pros and cons of the different approaches.
Click to download an A4 version of our discussion prom
