Hatefulness and bad moods are worse.
Everyone gets in a bad mood sometimes. Even so, it is not okay to take it out on everyone around. Instead, it is a good time to get better at managing thoughts, feelings, and relationships.
Managing feelings and relationships takes skills children mostly learn by example. Think about the example you and others are setting for your child. He is unlikely to manage his feelings any better than you and others at your home do.
Here is something that usually helps. Leave his bad mood alone. Offer to talk with him about his bad feelings. But don’t make a big deal out of cheering him up. He will be happier when he is happier.
Deal only with his hatefulness. It usually comes off as cutting remarks, putting people down, and being angry. Help him manage these strong feelings better.
Don’t react to his hatefulness by being hateful and angry with him. Try to stay calm and do not take his hatefulness personally. It likely has little to do with you.
Talk with him about what is really going on. Say, “Here is the real problem. When you say and do things that are so hateful, it really hurts. Hurting me and other people is not your best choice. I am going to try very hard not to hurt you even if you feel you need to hurt me. Maybe one of these days, you will not need to take your hurt out on others. Until then, please think about it. Here is an idea. If you can tell me about what is bothering you, maybe we can figure out something to help.”
This is the point. The temptation is to get mad or to try to force him to behave better. This will not work. It will only make matters worse. You need to set a good example for him. Tell him his behavior is not okay with you. Teach him better ways to handle his angry feelings and let him know when you notice that he is doing better. Over time, his moods, attitudes, and behavior will become more like the good example you are setting for him.