To wonder why my child is foul when another adult is around?

[3and1]

It’s usually DH but can be any relative or friend. DS (age 3) becomes rude, sullen, whiny, uncooperative, says no to absolutely everything.

It’s getting me down. He’s fine when it’s just us.

At a guess, he wants your attention and objects to sharing you.

I had a similar thing most days when DH got in from work. But we overcame that in the end by making reasons for DS to want DH home. i.e. batteries needed changing in a toy, or something needed opening. Obviously I was quite capable, but I "bigged DH up, big time". By the time DS got to 4 it had all changed and. DH was the golden one 🤣

Do you think? He much prefers DH.

It's definitely attention seeking behaviour. He could be shy but rather than cower in corners he'll play up as he think it will mean you will remove him from the situation. Could you ask him if he likes visiting x, y z? How he feels when he sees other adults? I'd imagine he'd grow out of it but it's certainly nothing major to worry about.

I have tried to speak to him but he’s not a big talker and I imagine the feelings are a bit confusing for him too. He’s fine around some people but others he becomes so awful it’s embarrassing that they might think he’s like that all the time.

Mine are the same . Dh comes out with us and they both start whining and wanting carried . They will walk for miles with me.