I have an 8 year old niece staying two weeks with me and I just found her stealing what should I do?

She was digging in my daughter's jewelry box. I made her come in the living room and empty her bags and she had her diamond ring, my mother's birthstone & diamond ring she gave my daughter, another ring plastic type, her mascara, some school supplies and a heart locket my father in law bought my daughter when his wife passed away.

We visited over the weekend and my sister informed me I had to bring one of her three children home with me. I have only been around the kids three times in their lives as my family and I haven't been on speaking terms for some 20 years. I don't want to handle this wrong as I am enjoying having her visit but think it is kind of a big deal.

I called her mom in another state and she said "What would you have me to do about it?" Like it was no big deal, then told me "I never let her leave a house without checking her bag cause she steals all the time." This is not something she told me ahead of time.

Wow! I am thrilled by all the wonderful replies you hvae been giving me. I spoke to her about how this could cause her to get in trouble with the police etc in the future.
I gave her two options I would swat her behind and tell my daughter myself or she could tell my daughter herself which she did not do so I followed thru then allowed my daughter who is 14 to talk to her about how it made her feel to have this items stolen from her. My niece sat around for a while then got up and told my daughter she was sorry all by herself. All is forgiven now and my sister called to see how things were now. My niece had wanted to go home when I first caught her but now would like to stay for the rest of her trip. My sister even called this evening and told me she was sorry but just doesn't know how to handle it. She has two other high maintance children and many illnesses herself so I feel that this child; who happens to be the middle child may slip through the cracks at times. Thanks again!

Try something that is going to be new to her. Be open with her and tell her what you expect and what you won't tolerate while she is visiting with you and your family, let her know that it is no necessary for her to steal that if she wants something all she has to do is ask and that the answer may not always be yes but it won't be no. Tell her that you all are going to start over, fresh and that she is forgiven and that she is LOVED ALWAYS NO MATTER WHAT!!

Scare her, I don't know how big of an area you live in but if it is fairly small the local police can help you out. I had the same problem with my nephew. I knew some police officers and called them to help me by coming and talking to him and explaining the consiquences and the police said they would let him off as long as I didn't want to press charges

Wow. First of all how did you end up being made to take this child home with you? What did her mom have to do for you to be stuck being a babysitter to an almost stranger?
I'd put her in a car and drive her back, another state or not.
Why bring an example like that into your house around your daughter?
Borrow the money if you have to!

Send her back home immediately and tell your sister that she needs to get her help. If she doesn't stop there will be bigger consequences. I would not leave her in my home another minute. It sounds like your niece is begging for attention and seeing as how her mother responded to your accusations....I think I'm right. You could try talking to your niece, but I don't know if that would do any good.

What is going on with your sister? Something is up there. HAD to bring one of her kids home with you? That doesn't make any sense. Something is going on in the life of your 8 year old niece and it seems like it stems from her home-life. She is acting out by stealing letting all of you know that something not right is going on.

I think a long, long talk with your sister is in order. Talk to your niece about how stealing is an inappropriate action. You might want to consider taking her out and buying something special that both of you can wear - matching bracelets or something - to express the love you feel for her and the connection you have. It sounds like objects are symbolizing love to her and she does not feel important or special. My goodness! Her mom sent her off! The little girl needs to feel love. But DO NOT allow her just to steal. Set limits and consequences. But make sure they come from a loving place in your heart.

let her know that you will not accept this behavior and that there are consequences. the biggest being that you can no longer trust her. scare her, tell her you are making a police report. it seems that your sister needs a bigger wake up cal. she should have told you about this behavior. you did not have to bring her children home with you, they are her responsibility. i would pack the child up and deliver her back to your sister.the child needs help and her mom needs to get it for her. don't let yourself be used, or abused.

You should have a serious talk with the child. Do not be mad because obviously the mom is encouraging this by not punishing her. I think you need to inform the poor kid that she will go to jail for a long time if she gets caught stealing. I know that is excessive, but, it's kinda the truth. Tell her that if she wants something she can't have she should try to work for it in other ways. Such as doing chores. My parents gave me money if I did chores and then I could buy whatever I wanted.

this can only mean that her mother doesn't care about discipling her children and probably does the same. She could have at least said some thing to the little girl. If you love her, you should teach her to do what is right. let her know what is right and wrong, the effects of it long and short term. what people would think of her and that no one would like her and wouldn't want her to be around them. Your guidance will truly be a blessing, if she grows up recovering from this illness she'll thank you one day.

i think she is stealing because she has insecurities as in since she does not have much in her life, she is trying to accumulate material things as a way to make her feel somewhat secure. she thinks she has noone in her life who loves her probably and by stealing these diamond rings and stuff she is making herself feel like she now has something of value and worth and then it makes her feel kind of the same way. but u have to explain to her that she shouldnt have to do this and it's not right. she's a child and she shouldnt grow up to be liek that.