It's no wonder the kid whacked someone. Look at what's on the other end of that phone! FWIW, my 8yo son has gotten mean and a bit physically pushy and I know where it's coming from. I'm working on fixing myself to set a better example, but I also have to let him own up to his own mistakes. I can't very well do what I do and face my consequences, and then swoop him up to safety when he does the same thing. If only his father would learn that lesson, too...