So I noticed my nephew pocketed some trading cards at Walmart last week – nothing major, just a pack of Pokémon things. Got me scratching my head about why kids swipe stuff when they know it’s wrong. Started digging around like I always do when life throws me a question.
The Grocery Store Incident
First thing I did was replay last Tuesday. Little dude and I were grabbing snacks when I caught him shoving cards into his hoodie pouch. Made him put ’em back right there. Asked him straight up “Why’d you do that?” Just got shoulder shrugs and mumbles. Zero eye contact.
Asking Around
Reached out to a school counselor pal over coffee. Dropped it casual like “Hey noticed kids taking things sometimes – why’s that happen?” Got three big takeaways:
- Testing boundaries – Just seeing what they can get away with, like touching a hot stove
- Wanting attention – Negative attention still beats being ignored apparently
- Copying buddies – Monkey see monkey do with classmates
Then hit YouTube while cooking dinner. Watched this child psych doc explain kid brains don’t get ownership like adults yet. Blew my mind. For real – they might see something shiny and just grab without “stealing” clicking in their heads.
Experiment Time
Tried something with my nephew this weekend. Took him to that same Walmart aisle. Said “Remember when you took cards? What’s better – saving allowance or taking?” Then pointed at cameras and alarms. His eyes got HUGE. Actual lightbulb moment.
Also checked his friend group. Turns out his buddy Timmy brags about swiping candy at gas stations. Explained how Timmy’s choices could mess with his life later. Nephew got real quiet and hasn’t hung with Timmy since.
What Stuck With Me
Biggest surprise? Kids don’t take stuff to be “bad.” It’s either:
- Not connecting actions to consequences yet
- Seen someone else do it first
- Just really really wanting that thing right now
Ended up having that talk with my sister too. Told her keep allowance consistent so he doesn’t feel like he’s gotta snatch stuff. And seriously – watch the friends. Little eyeballs copy everything.
Still checking if this sticks with nephew. But man, kids’ brains work wild different than ours.