Children usually feel outraged and violated when something is stolen from them.
Tears are common.
Teachers, or other adults, can be in a bind when faced with a distraught child, passionate accusations, and no proof. Elizabeth Crary, parent educator and author of the children's book about theft, Amy's Disappearing Pickle , advises parents to practice brainstorming and acting out solutions in a non-stressful situation. He or she needs to practice the approach in a safe setting. In the story, Amy likes to bring a pickle in her lunch every day. For three days now, the pickle has been missing at lunchtime.