So why is my 3 year old doing this?

[mankymummy]

Playing nicely having fun and all of a sudden he hits me in the face or suddenly pinches or scratches?

Normally he's lovely and so gentle. Have explained its not nice to hit/hurt etc.

I dont want to read too much into it but it seems to be after he's had a day out with his dad, which is only every 3 weeks. Im a lone parent.

Is he angry that I've given him to his dad for the day, angry that he's back with me?

I really dont know if Im reading too much into it but im at my wits end.

Any advice gratefully received...

sounds normal its looking for a reaction a firm no and move him away or time out whatever you do

could be that he misses his dad but my ds has stages of doimng this and i say no be nice and move him away if he does it again he gets time out

its normally testing boundries to see how far they can go nip it in the bud

get him to say sortry after so he knows there are consequences and its not nice and then play normally as if never happened

its not nice when they change all of a sudden but i was reassured normal toddler behaviour be firm and stick to what you say

thanks bubbla... i do do the moving away, a firm "no", explaining its not nice etc.

i would just love to know WHY he is doing this only after seeing his dad. Its not like he's never away from me because he goes to nursery three days a week and is fine after that.

it could be frustration of not having his dad there all the time

maybe he is angry but his too young to express maybe when he comes back sit with him and say mummy and daddy both love you did you have good time daddy really enjoyed being with you and mummys happy your home

not too much advise im afraid dp and i are still together maybe someone will come along who is in similar situation to you

big hugs to you though it is hard

but my ds does do this at times for no reason maybe is frustration