My normally sweet natured, (mostly) well behaved DS has suddenly this week decided, on a daily basis, to throw violent abusive temper tantrums aimed mainly at me. Last night was the worst so far and resulted in me having to drag him out of the supermarket whilst he was kicking and punching me and screaming at the top of his voice how he hated me and i was the worse mummy in the world. I tried to keep calm and, after a struggle, put him in the car, got him to keep his seat belt on and after applying the child locks on the door, i drove home in tears whilst he proceeded to attempt to kick out the car window and pull my hair from behind. This behaviour isn't usual for him, but since going back to school after the recent half term break he has been more defiant and argumentative, culminating in the tantrums every day this week. I've tried talking to him once he's calmed down and asking him if anythings upsetting him at home or school, but he tells me he doesnt know why he behaves the way he does.
i'm trying really hard to stay calm with him but after last nights episode, i'm scared of saying no to him in case it triggers another tantrum. Also his behaviour is now starting to rub off on his 3yo brother. It's not so much that i'm having difficulty dealing with the tantrums, its knowing what's causing them in the first place. I want my happy go lucky, smiley, loving DS back, instead of this monster child who seems to hate me and tells me he wishes i was dead.
Any advice would be gratefully accepted. Thanks