Need help- DS scratched his daycare teacher

I feel awful. DS is 4.5 and he scratched his teachers arm on purpose. He was going backwards on the slide when he was told not to. He continued to do it over and over. When she told him to stop he ran around the play yard like a madman. When he finally stopped and walked towards her, he scratched her arm. Hard. He was given a time out. He knows this teacher and has been with her since March.

When we came home and I asked him why he did it, he said because and that he did not care. He started to laugh. I can't tell you - was fuming.

He has been told that he needs to work on an apology note and picture and on Monday needs to apologize.

He seems angry lately and doesn't care no matter what we tell him. Is this a phase?

Message edited 9/7/2012 10:26:23 PM.

Re: Need help- DS scratched his daycare teacher

I am sorry you are going through this. I would definitely punish him by taking away his favorite toy or something like that. I think an apology note is very good, although he has to show sincerity when giving it. There must be some books out there about teaching empathy to children. If this becomes a pattern then he could meet with a school psychologist.

Re: Need help- DS scratched his daycare teacher

I'm glad you are taking this seriously. I think that in the end will be what influences him the most. I'm not sure you can force sincerity out of him, but I would make an elaborate apology to the teacher in front of him so he can see how it is done and the teacher knows you respect her.

Need help- DS scratched his daycare teacher

maybe when he laughs about it he needs to be given a time out, and repeated until he stops laughing, an apology note sounds good too.