I am concerned about the emotional well-being of my 3yr.10mths.grandson

My grandson was 3mths.old I was his main caregiver. We were very close (and remain so) and he related to me more like I was his mother then his nana. My son and his wife had a troubled home and my grandson preferred to stay with me and would cry loudly and protest going home when his mom would come to get him. As he got older he would pretend to be asleep or hide to resist going home and this was a huge strain for both of us. My son is now separated and on his way to a divorce but in the between time my grandson was taken out of my care and I could only see him once a week and not in familiar surroundings that he loved so much. This went on for over a year and though now I am able to see him 3 times a week (and once is overnight) his behavior troubles me. When he and I are alone he is usually cooperative and cheerful (although he will have sudden intense bursts of anger if he is intent on having his way about something and he thinks that you might interfere with that).He does present some typical "spoiled-bratty" behavior and has to be reminded on how to behave appropriately but that is not my concern. When any other people are present (his dad, grandpa, uncles, aunts, etc.,) he exhibits out of control mood swings (crying and tantruming) and agressive, volatile behavior when he plays with them. He also bites,pinches ,and hits people and just generally seems to like to cause others pain.Even though he likes to cuddle up to me he will put his teeth on me(not biting me anymore)and pinch me until I yelp and he will smile at the result. He tells me often that he loves me and he always looks forward to coming over but he has so much anger it seems, just under the surface. At times  he will also marks up his genital area with his fingernails and digs at his bottom and smiles at you while he does it and this disturbs  me .Does it sound like I have cause for concern? Thank you for your time.

[Kevin Kennedy, Ph.D.]

Yes, you should be concerned. The troubled domestic situation has take its toll and he is showing signs of emotional disturbance. His parents will hopefully agree that he should receive professional help (as should they).