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DS3 suddenly so angry

3 replies

Holidaisy · 17/10/2025 22:23

My son turns 3 in November and while he has always been very high energy, the last week has seen him suddenly see red all the time and I suppose I am looking for reassurance I am doing the right things!

DS3 is a big talker, speaks in full sentences lots of questions but is also a big one for routine. His communication has recently turned from curious energy into a quite aggressive need to boss everyone around.

Recently at both home and nursery if something isn’t going the way he expects it to he can get very angry - says it is his turn, asks others to be quiet and listen and says that we are making him sad and being unkind if we say things he doesn’t like.

he can get very upset, purple crying and shouting occasionally with hitting too. As parents DH and I try our best to stay calm, lead by example and give calm consistent consequences like removing DS from anything stressful situation, explaining to him that we listen, take turns, be nice etc and modelling kind hands, lots of positive feedback too.

writing this down it all sounds fairly normal toddler behaviour but it feels so sudden and I just want my happy boy back! Anyone experienced this sort of thing or have any tips for us to help him through this stage?

OP posts:
DeQuin · 17/10/2025 22:27

Sounds like you are doing great. Keep calm; tell him anger is normal but need to find safe and appropriate ways to express it; and have faith. DS went through a v angry phase at about 4 but testosterone/ growth spurt / tiredness all play a part. He’s now 18 and the kindest gentlest young man. Parenting is hard.

orion678 · 17/10/2025 22:33

Oh yeah, my son had a personality transplant around that age and became a bundle of irrational rage. It was awful, and a really sudden shift, and for us it lasted about 6 months. It will be testing, but it will pass. My little guy is now just a sublime, sweet, cuddly ray of sunshine (mostly) now approaching 5, and the dreaded threenager phase a distant memory

Holidaisy · 17/10/2025 23:51

Thank you both.

I feel quite sad that my happy boy is actually being quite rude and I really hope it is just a phase we can get through. He seems sad and stressed which isn’t nice for him! His sleep has taken a big leap backwards too.

he’s recently had a new sibling which I think might be making him feel a bit vulnerable although he seems so happy to be a big brother. Again we have heaped on 1-1 time, praise etc within reason but he’s not himself :(

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