Why is my almost 3 year old act so bad with me and an angel for his dad??

[EliseBrooke]

Why is my almost 3 year old son quite act so bad with me, hitting and shouting, but such an angel for his dad?? I find him is so hard to control. Please help??

I'm sure you will have thought of this but have you tried looking to see - or asking others - what his dad does differently to you? Sometimes it's really hard to pick up the subtle things but children don't miss them.

Are you with him a lot more of the time? It may just be that he feels more comfortable showing those emotions with you iykwim.

Alternatively it could be there's something different in your approaches that you don't notice. I know my 3yo will go to bed much easier for me than dh and it's because he's not as clear with stuff (e.g. Can I have two stories? Um, I don't know, maybe, um, no maybe not, it's a bit late = tantrum)

Me and his Dad are not together but the only thing I have noticed is that his Dad lets him get away with a lot. Where as I would put my foot down on anything that is unacceptable. It has only been the last week or so the behaviour has changed to almost aggressive and very moody with me. But as soon as he has contact with his Dad, he is back to normal. :( I find it really hard as I am the one who does almost eveything for Jayden, its upsetting.

You are the one who is setting boundaries, you're the one he's testing them with. He's also probably more happy 'risking' such testing with you because you are around all the time.

He may seem to be being 'naughty' and hence less respectful to you, but there is every chance this is because he feels you are the real parent in his life.