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Expert Q&A

	By Ann Kearney-Cooke Psychologist

My 11-year-old forged some of my checks and tried to use them at local stores. I also discovered that she has been forging my signature on school notes and stealing cash from my wallet. When I asked her why she did this, she said that she doesnŴ know. What should I do?

This sounds like a problem that has been developing for some time in that it involves a number of different behaviors (forging and stealing) across multiple settings (school, home and store).

I would suggest you sit down with you daughter and express how concerned you are about these behaviors and how you wonder if she is experiencing some problems she needs help with. I would let her know that it is important to figure out why sheų engaging in these behaviors. Mention some possible reasons to get her talking about it such as feeling deprived of attention, being angry, low self-esteem, or jealousy of what others have.

If your daughter doesnŴ seem concerned about her behaviors or the behaviors continue, I would seek professional help. I would meet with a psychologist or psychiatrist specializing in adolescent issues for a plan of treatment.

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