My 2 year old DS keeps smacking my face if I get down to his level to tell him off

[kittycartier]

I know it's probably a stage but how long does it go on for? I don't smack him, nor does anyone I know. He doesn't see anything on the TV that shows violence (no Eastenders etc). He does go to nursery one day a week but surely if another child is smacking him then the staff would stop it? He seems to think it's ok to do it and then go and sit on the naughty step and beckon me for a cuddle to say sorry!

He actually leant back yesterday to get a better shot with his two hands to whack me on my cheeks!

I put him on the step for time out and tell him it's wrong to hit people etc etc but he just gets up and wants to hug me so he can get on with what he was doing.

Bit lost really!!

Ditto. Watching with interest.

Get hold of his hands and hold them down to his body and calmly say 'No-you never hit people'. Do it every time-like a broken record in a bored tone. Be consistent and do it every single time. I wouldn't bother with naughty steps. Just give him the body language that it is tiresome and not what people do.
There is no need for lengthy explanations-just the short, repetitive sentence.
When he has stopped you could then say 'I know you are annoyed but if you want me to understand you will have to talk to me and not hit me.'

How long it takes depends on the child. At the moment he is getting attention for negative behaviour.

I agree with exoticfruits suggestion but I would just say don't hit rather than a lengthy sentence. The bare minimum words have a bigger impact.
Also I know it sounds a bit super nanny or something like that but naming the emotion is a big help. I know you are angry, upset whatever. It was something recommended my the SALT treating ds1 for his speech delay as he was very frustrated and would hit like that. She said naming the emotion gives them the word to describe why they are lashing out and also shows a little empathy. The hitting is because he is still little and as yet still lacks the proper skills at times re emotions so hit out.

Thank you for your replies. Will give suggestions a try, hard work isn't it?!!