3yr old DD has always been pretty well behaved. She never really tantrums, she has always been absolutely lovely to be honest.
The last few months she has been really different. If she hurts herself or is upset for example, she gets really angry when I ask if she is ok or try to comfort her - she will grab at my face, pinching my face quite hard and literally growl at me. She has brilliant speech so don't know what the growling is about. I have tried saying why are you doing this/I'm trying to give you a cuddle etc, I've tried telling her that shes being horrible and its hurting, doesn't matter. Her reaction is either to get tearful or more angry, but she can never explain why she is feeling this way. I literally have no idea what is going on and why shes doing this and I feel useless, I'm her mum, shouldn't I understand her inside out?
She is otherwise affectionate and is very friendly and kind to other children, she has never been at all unkind or aggressive to other children she has played with or to her 6 month old brother who she adores.
So why is she so mean to me?! And why specifically when I am showing her concern and kindness?
I suspect she feels embarrassed about being hurt, I could understand if she wanted to not appear vulnerable to other kids maybe, but why is she like this with me?
Its making me worry quite a bit as I have never heard of another child behaving like this.