2 year old biting, hitting, pinching etc

[PseudoBadger]

DS is 2 next week. Over the last month the odd hit or bite has become much more frequent (only to me and occasionally to Daddy), and he's discovered the joys of pinching too. And head butting.

When he does these things if it's safe to do so (we're not on the pavement or in a car park etc) I just say "no DS, i don't like hitting" and put him down or move away from him. After a short time (seconds rather than minutes) I then go to him or call him over and tell him that I don't like hitting, I like cuddles or a high five etc and show him. Or kiss instead of biting. Etc.

If he sits on me or next to me without doing these things I tell him he's a good boy.

I'm pretty consistent with what I'm doing, but I wouldn't say it's got any better yet. Is it not the right way to deal with this? I'm a path of least resistance parent and tend to ignore the bad and praise the good wherever possible, unless it's life threatening.

I think short sharp NO! Usually works best. Dd is 2 too and frankly it's often how I say things she gets fast not what I say. If and I can't tell from ur writing, u are staying in one completely reasonable tone he just can't hear annoyance or the telling off. They just don't have that mental reasoning (til about 30....).

Try mirroring his intensity? So if he throws something in anger it's "I. Said. NO!" And then drop back a few notches for next words.

U might be doing that of course, can't really see from words on a page. Sorry but hope helps.