What should I do if my child has stolen some candy from a convenience store? How does one approach this situation?

If you are still in the store, you can ask your child to put back into the stole. Avoid scolding or shaming him in public. Tell him that we cannot take anything out from the stole without paying and this action is known as thief. Young children do not understand we have to pay first before bringing back the items from store. If you only realise about it when you reach home, you can tell your child this is not acceptable and bring him back to the store to apologize together. Also, no scolding and shaming as it might be just an accident or children doesn't have the sense of paying money before getting the goods. If your child has been repeatedly stealing from stores, you should try to find out the reasons behind. E.g. are you too strict in restricting your child from taking candies or is it peer influences? After that, try to discuss a solution with your child, e.g. limit one week take how many candies, or tell him that he can ask mummy to buy if he wants to eat candy but cannot take candies out from store without paying.