If your child was angry and aggressive at 3, did they get better or worse?

[Angryboy]

My 3 1/2 year old is angry and aggressive. He pushes other children when they are in his way, and also when they annoy him. He also snatches and throws. We have daily reports from nursery and we have to hover over him constantly around other kids.

It’s not just bad parenting- he’s being assessed for autism at the moment.

Obviously 3 is pretty young, but then it’s also too old to be acting like this.

Anecdotally, will he be an angry violent child/teen or might he grow out of it?

[BeeMyBaby]

As their speech improves things generally get better. My friend said that her son was acting out at public nursery but she then put him into private nursery and it really improved as it was less children and much more structured with crafts etc so less boredom/frustration etc

[corythatwas]

Large extended family here, can easily think of at least 3 children who were angry and aggressive as 3yos, all perfectly manageable teens and have grown up into lovely adults.

[Angryboy]

Thank you. Anyone else?

[flubberyseal]

I have 5dc. My eldest ds was often rough with other children - he even smacked the preschool teacher on the face once - I was absolutely mortified! He very much calmed down at 5 or 6 and although he was quite immature compared to his peers (June baby) he didn’t lash out any more.

I remember three being a really difficult time with him, but with calm (as possible!) parenting and love and guidance I’m sure your ds will be fine. Mine is 20 now and loving and gentle (still with a slightly immature streak!) I spent a lot of wasted time and energy worrying about him and his development, but take heart in the fact that these phases do pass eventually.