4yr old hitting himself when frustrated/angry

[greenbirdsong]

My 4yr old son is generally pretty laid back and a lovely boy.

However in the last few months he's had several instances of getting very frustrated/angry in certain situations. Usually if he can't get a toy to work, isn't winning a game, not getting his own way all day - things like that.

He then starts to grunt and shout and then will hit himself on the legs of arms or scratch his arms and legs with his fingernails.

I'm a bit worried about this behaviour. I always try and talk to him and ask him why he's doing that but he'll say he doesn't know or he feels angry/sad. Is this something 4yr olds do? I know they're still getting used to their emotions and expressing them. He's also been very sad lately about finishing preschool and is apprehensive about starting school in Sept so this might have some bearing.

Any tips on how I can talk to him and help him not feel so frustrated when things aren't going his way? (A lesson we all have to learn and deal with I guess!)

Thanks in advance.

Bump!

My 5 year old hits his head when he gets frustrated with a game. Someone told me he was learning how to cope with failure? It started suddenly so I hope it passes soon.

Not quite the same but I got my son one of those squeezy glitter balls to squeeze when he struggles with emotions (his is more getting annoyed at other kids - if someone "beats him" in a game or whatever). Might just help to redirect from himself onto an object?