Aa
Aa
A
A
A
Close
Avatar universal

getting a child to say sorry

My son is 6 and he does not like to say sorry.  Tonight, the babysitter picked him up and held him in her arms and he scratched her. He told me later it scared him.  I've seen him do this before, like pull hair etc and then say he was scared.  He has sensory issues.  He keeps saying to me, " I don't do sorrys".  I would like him to say sorry and mean it, but now he only says it if he is forced too and then I feel lit doesn't mean anything. Is this something that comes with maturity, etc?  
5 Responses
Sort by: Helpful Oldest Newest
Avatar universal
any suggestions.
Helpful - 0
535822 tn?1443976780
Well at 6 year old I would ask the Baby sitter not to pick him up, I can see it would scare him .Yes I think it does and I wouldnt push it if I wre you, you could show by example, and maybe you do, that momm  and Dad always say sorry when they do something hurtful,if you make an issue out of it he maybe rebel anyway. when he says he doesnt do sorries, ignore it, he may feel he gets attention from the issue. I feel less talk may work , and I dont think the Babysitter needs to pick him up do you ....
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Thanks Margypops, good advice...
Helpful - 0
189897 tn?1441126518
COMMUNITY LEADER
   In my book - actions always count more than words.
Smart kids will (or can) quickly learn to say anything to get out of trouble.  Politicians have obviously learned that trick too.
  For those reasons, I don't put to much into saying sorry.   There are other ways to show that you are sorry.  Hugs are good.  A picture, a helping hand.  See if you can find another way for him to express himself.  Also explore the idea that it doesn't necessarily mean that he is sorry he did something (he may not remember he did it, etc.), but he is sorry that the other person feels bad.  If he can get to where he feels empathy for the other person - that's a pretty big thing.  I'm just not sure at what age it happens.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Good points, Sandman.  Yeah, a lot of adults say sorry and don't really mean it.  Plus, it's not something you can force.
Helpful - 0
Have an Answer?

You are reading content posted in the Child Behavior Community

Top Children's Health Answerers
189897 tn?1441126518
San Pedro, CA
Learn About Top Answerers
Didn't find the answer you were looking for?
Ask a question
Popular Resources
Fearing autism, many parents aren't vaccinating their kids. Can doctors reverse this dangerous trend?
Is a gluten-free diet right for you?
We answer your top questions about the flu vaccine.
Learn which over-the-counter medicines are safe for you and your baby
Yummy eats that will keep your child healthy and happy
Healing home remedies for common ailments