I have a three-year-old who just hit a four-year-old in the face with a jewelry box and laughed about it. Her babysitter put her in time out and told her how wrong it was but all she did was laugh at her. I’ve tried so many things to get her to stop but nothing is working. I’ve tried time out and explained to her why she’s on the chair, then after her time is up I ask her to tell me what she did wrong and don’t let her leave until she apologizes. I’ve tried saying “how would you feel if she had done that to you?” and she just laughs. I’ve tried rewarding good behavior and everything. Please give me some advice as to what else I can do.
You are doing exactly what you should do when she misbehaves. Keep up the good work. Laughing may or may not be a reflection of a lack of empathy.
You may also want to broaden your efforts to teach your daughter concern for others. The first way is by modelling empathy as often as you can. It would be best to say what you are thinking when you display empathy. If possible, involve her in the activitiy. For example, you might say “Let’s make some chicken soup and bring it over to grandma. She is feeling sick today. We can help her to feel better. It makes me feel good to help Grandma feel good.”
Similarly, you could highlight how people on the television feel when you watch with her.
Don’t get discouraged. It may take some time.
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