Lying and Stealing Prevention Checklist

Use this checklist to record recent incidents, identify patterns, and pinpoint triggers behind your child’s lying or stealing behaviors.

1. Incident Details

Date of incident: ____________________________
Nature of incident (lying / stealing): ____________________________
Describe what happened:

2. Context & Triggers

Where did it occur? (home / school / with friends / other):




Who else was present?




What was happening immediately before the incident?

3. Child’s Emotional State

How did your child appear to be feeling? (e.g., anxious, angry, bored):




Did your child say why they acted this way? If so, what did they say?

4. Motivations & Patterns

Select any possible motivations (check all that apply):

• Seeking attention
• Peer influence
• Unmet needs or desires
• Testing boundaries
• Avoiding consequences
• Other: ____________________________

How many similar incidents have occurred in the past month? ________

5. Parent Response

How did you respond immediately after discovering the behavior?

6. Reflection & Next Steps

What adjustments could help prevent this in the future? (e.g., clearer rules, consistent routines, positive reinforcement):










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Behavioral Expectations Contract

This contract is created together by the parent(s) and child to clarify expectations, consequences, and rewards related to honesty and respecting others’ belongings. Display this contract in a visible place and review progress regularly.

1. Participants & Date

Child’s Name: ____________________________
Parent(s)/Guardian(s): ____________________________
Date Created: ____________________________

2. Specific Behavior Expectations

List clear, measurable rules about honesty and personal property. Work together to define 3–5 expectations.

1. I will tell the truth when asked about my actions.
   
   
   
   
2. I will ask permission before taking or using anything that does not belong to me.
   
   
   
   
3. I will return borrowed items promptly and in the same condition.
   
   
   
   
4. I will admit honestly if I make a mistake or take something by accident.
   
   
   
   
5. Other expectation (optional): ____________________________
   
   
   
   

3. Consequences for Not Meeting Expectations

Define fair and consistent consequences if any expectation is broken.

• If I lie or withhold the truth:

Consequence: ____________________________




• If I take or keep something without permission:

Consequence: ____________________________




• Additional consequence (optional):

Consequence: ____________________________

4. Rewards for Consistent Honesty & Respect

Identify positive reinforcements when expectations are met consistently over a set period (e.g., one week).

Reward ideas (check or add your own):

• Extra screen time
• Special outing
• Small allowance boost
• Choice of family activity
• Other: ____________________________
  
  
  
  
  
  
  

5. Monitoring & Review

Set a date to review progress, adjust expectations, and celebrate successes.

Review Date: ____________________________
Progress Notes:

6. Signatures

By signing below, we agree to follow this contract and work together to rebuild trust through honesty and respect.

Parent/Guardian Signature: ____________________________ Date: ____________





Child’s Signature: ____________________________ Date: ____________

Positive Reinforcement Reward Chart

Use this chart to set a clear goal, track daily progress, and earn a reward for consistent honest and respectful behavior.

1. Behavior Goal

Short-term behavior goal (e.g., “Tell the truth all week”):

2. Daily Tracking

3. Reward Earned

If the goal is met ____ out of 7 days, the agreed reward is:

4. Reflection

What went well this week?

What could improve next week?

5. Parent & Child Acknowledgement

Parent/Guardian Name: ____________________________ Date: ____________ Signature: ____________________________




Child’s Name: ____________________________ Date: ____________ Signature: ____________________________

Communication Strategies Handout

Use these strategies to foster open dialogue, encourage honesty, and address your child’s behavior calmly and constructively.

1. Create a Safe, Nonjudgmental Space

• Speak privately in a calm environment without distractions
• Use a gentle tone and open body language (arms uncrossed, eye contact)
• Emphasize that you want to understand, not punish
  
  
  
  
  

2. Practice Active Listening

• Give your full attention: put away phones, face your child
• Reflect back what you hear: “It sounds like you felt…”
• Validate feelings: “I can see why you might feel upset”
  
  
  
  
  
  
  

3. Use “I” Statements to Express Concerns

• Focus on your own feelings, not blame:
  • “I feel worried when I discover things are missing.”
  • “I’m concerned when I hear a story that doesn’t add up.”
  
  
  
  
  

4. Ask Open-Ended Questions

• Encourage explanation, not yes/no answers:
  • “Can you tell me what happened before you took the item?”
  • “What was going through your mind when you decided not to tell the truth?”
  
  
  
  
  
  
  

5. Acknowledge Effort & Honesty

• Praise honest admissions immediately:
  • “Thank you for telling me the truth; that took courage.”
• Reinforce positive steps, even small ones
  
  
  
  
  
  
  

6. Stay Solution-Focused

• Collaborate on next steps: “What can we do differently next time?”
• Involve your child in setting clear expectations and rewards
  
  
  
  
  
  
  

7. Reflection & Action Plan

1. Which strategy will you try first?
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
2. What questions or statements do you want to practice?
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
3. How will you reinforce honesty once it happens?