Obnoxious 4 year old - phase?

[Nenanena]

My DD is just 4 and is often stroppy, bossy, quick to become cross, rude and just unpleasant to be around. At other times she is lovely. I think hunger plays a part but she eats like a bird and is fussy with food on top and often it is hard to fill her tummy up, especially with protein (doesn't like egg, cheese, hummus etc). Will eat meat, beans and dairy stuff. We like to think we are firm but fair, incorporate rewards and lots of praise for good behaviour, keep things light when we can, move on quickly, have clear sanctions when behaviour bad enough... Is this typical behaviour for her age? What can we do or is it ride it out? How much are diet and eating habits to blame? Thank you.

Why do you think it is hunger making her be like this?

I think it's quite normal for 3/4/5 my DDs are 4 and 5 and are both to some degree still in this phase, the older one is beginning to come out of it. Someone once told me there is a nice phase from 6-9 then the hormones hit and they regress back to this behaviour again

Yes, when my 5yo is hungry her behaviour really changes and she becomes similar to your description.

It could possibly be stress related too? Has anything happened?

She often calms down after eating, and after a decent lunch or dinner can be utterly delightful. Having said that, it doesn't always fit that pattern. Any ideas of how to ensure her blood sugar stays on an even keel when often the only things she'll eat are toast with jam, a biscuit, a piece of fruit or something else with few calories or that causes short burst of energy but no lasting effect? Mealtimes themselves are better because they can involve meat or something proper. I just wish she would snack on carrot sticks and hummus or cubes of cheese and a crackers, or some boiled egg - something that actually keeps you going!

@pinkdragons
No nothing stressful except the impact we are all feeling of the pandemic. I do think she needs a lot of stimulation.and will benefit from going to pre-school next week (has been disrupted this year due to Covid - was due to start a year ago and only did a few months for various reasons).

And no I don't think that the imminent start of pre-school is having an effect . This behaviour has been going on for months.