is there value in making a 4yr old appologise? I suspect in this case there is, but not sure how best to do this.

[TessTing123]

4 yr old did something very naughty at school.

My feeling is that he ought to apologise to the children whose work he spoiled, and to his teacher for all the mess.

However usually I don't really hold with forcing children to apologise. I think its a bit of a meaningless gesture... am wavering...

If I frog march him up to school he will flatly refuse to say sorry. I can't physically force the words out of his mouth. could I write an apology note and ask him to sign them? Would that be teaching him anything?

I know he's only 4 and I don't want to blow this out of proportion but he really was a bit silly and naughty and there should be appropriate consequences. Asking him to apologise over this feels right. Just not sure how.

Your thoughts..?

Did the teacher ask him to apologise at the time? I would have done. If so, there is no merit in him doing so again.

How about getting him to draw and colour a home made card for the teacher, and encourage him to write (copy/join the dots) 'sorry' and his name.

This way he's put in some effort, which the teacher can see and appreciate.