4yr old son sudden behavior change

[teencha]

My 4 yr old son within the last month has suddenly started to become extremely naughty at school (hitting, throwing things, not listening, spitting, won't stay in time out or even with his class, tells the teacher he is going to hit her and balls up his fist, if the teacher talks to him about his behavior he laughs at her, etc......) This is not typical of him, this isn't things he is exposed to at home. I talk to him about what he is doing, I've taken away toys and priviledges. I don't know what else to do or what has caused this to happen. Nothing has changed at home or in his life. He is going to get kicked out of his daycare if I can't get this under control. Any ideas on what may has caused this or how I can fix it.

[flmagi]

This is an age when children can also develop reactions to food allergies, sugar etc. Have you questioned what they might be feeding him at the Day care?
If this is a sudden change like you say, then something has caused this. It's a red flag that something has changed. Children don't just suddenly change their personality for no reason. If he is behaving this way only at day care, then chances are the problem is there.
What reasons is he giving you, for being so unhappy at day care? Question further and listen carefully. Question the teacher too.

[margypops]

Was going to add some in put, but I think Enceph has said it all and I agree with every word ,Good luck

[Encephalomalcia]

You may want to look into a new daycare as the daycare providers are not able to control all children with all personalities.  Your child is daring the teachers and the teachers are letting him get away with it.  Children challenge adults to see what they can get away with.  It is normal development.  The adults are then responsible for setting limits.  Time outs, taking away toys and priviledges does nothing for a stubborn child.  Housework usually helps.  4 years old is old enough to have chores at home.  My daughter started doing chores at age 2 and she is 4 now and does a pretty good job.  Add more chores to the list if the behavior at daycare continues.  If there is no new changes in your household, then the daycare should ultimately be responsible for setting limits.  My 4 year old daughter is in a christian based school and the teacher really has a handle on the kids.