self-harm.
I think a child at my nursery is stealing. He is three and keeps taking small items home. Mum brings them back the next day, but is embarrassed. He is told it's wrong, but he continues. What should we do?
According to leading developmental psychologist Jean Piaget, children's moral compass is linked to cognitive development. Children up to age four have a limited concept of rules, so this little boy may find it hard to understand what the fuss is about. We know stealing is wrong, but does he?
At this age, children believe everything is theirs and their idea of belongings is limited. Why is it a problem to take one thing home when he is given other stuff to take home? He may be really attached to the items he takes or they may have significance just for that day. Transporting things back and forth may be part of how he sees and understands the world.
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