4 year old grandson

[Marg228]

My grandson was 4 May 1st.  Baby brother was born April 24th.  From a very early age he has been a difficult child. Temper tantrums, as a toddler would bang his head on the floor if he did not get his way, make himself vomit if he gets upset.  Yells at his parents, trys to hit them.  They are the two calmest people, never raise their voices, never hit him.  He has a hard time with other children and get really upset and out of control if things do not go his own way. He can scream and carry on for hours.  However, as a test, if he is upset and I mention something he wants or likes to do he can snap out of it instantly. He can play for hours when in a good mood, loves movies, computer games. He can be such a pleasure to be around and then other times so impossible.  He has amazing imagination and plays imaginary games by himself and others.  I have been around a lot of children and never have had this type of behavior.  He does have cousins who moved back from Brazil about a year ago and I see this same type of behavior.  But he was not around them up until about a year ago so I do not think this is a learned behavior.  
Could there be a genetic component?
He does have some major food allergies; dairy and egg are definite.  Could this be a food sensitivity/
My daughter is home during the day and and works two nights.  Her husband is home at night.  

[Kevin Kennedy, Ph.D.]

No, the solution is not to be found in food allergy. He is showing signs of emotional disturbance, at the very least a behavior disorder. His parents should arrange an evaluation with a child psychiatrist. Some of your description indicates that his parents, while they sound like very nice people, may not be particularly effective in their parenting techniqe.

[jen1201]

Mum is this you?? LOL
I almost have the same problem with my son, but it's managable... I dont freak out but we are firm when we need to... BTW, he actually listens to my husband more than he does me.  Parially because I give a lot of warnings and no follow through, but he doesn'e and he follows through on his threats.  Ofcourse if kids see other kids getting away with murder they will try to push the limits with their own parents to see what they can get away with.  
Maybe I shouldnt but I also think boys are a lot more hyper than girls are.  Our daughter is very calm and motherly, whereas our middle son, is wild.. but funny!
Making himself vomit... I havent had to deal with that but my sisters has, and she gives in, so my neice knows it works... but when she is with me, she doesnt do anything of the sort, as she knows we are tighter on things than my sister is.
I hope it helps... my sons blows my Mums mind... because she only had 3 calm girls...

I hope your able to find a way to works it out :)