Bullying - do three year olds bully?

[mrsmcv]

Do children this young bully each other deliberately? I know they can be a bit rough with each other, territorial and have major hissy fits and I'm not talking about that. But does anyone know if they actually pick on other kids on purpose?

no I don't believe they do - I don't think they think that deeply or can plan that much.

I think sometimes their behaviour can be terrible and they can be nasty - but I think it is more because they have either been taught that that is the way you treat people or they are going through a phase to see 'what happens'.

They are too self centred to bully in a way because they are unable to give that much consideration to someone else (i.e. that x behaviour will hurt them adn make them feel upset). It's not something they think instinctively and it's still a time they are being taught it.

Right, I see. Makes sense actually. This particular child keeps hitting, kicking and pushing my daugher, taking her toys off her and all that. I mean, I know they all do it and I don't usually bother but it's really out of hand with this one child. My daughter is on another planet generally so although she's shocked and surprised, she really doesn't react all that much.

not thaty iv witnessed iv been working in nurserys for over ten yrs, they seem to know what right and wrong is, although they can be wuite mean at times

Looking back at last few incidents I think it might be an attention thing, especially as my dd doesn't react much, until she's had enough which can take a good hour or so. My dd adores this child and her mum so don't want to avoid them but seems like she's taking a bit of a battering when they play together.