I could really do with some tips for dealing with my 2 year old's behaviour at the moment.
The worst of it is that he kicks, hits, bits, scratches, pulls hair and pinches. I must add that this is not constant by any stretch - he is a well-liked, sunny little boy and I don't think people think of him as 'violent - but it definitely happens too frequently - occasionally to other children (usually hair pulling or scratching). I have no idea where the behaviour has been learned, but it has now been going on for around a year (he added new methods of lashing out to his repertoire over the year ...) and I just don't know what the answer is.
My approach has always been a calm, firm 'no' to the behaviour, a simple explanation why the behaviour is wrong, and removing him from the situation. As he has got older, I have put him in a separate space and expected an apology. Most often, he laughs when he is put down and giggles hysterically at the 'game' of me putting him back when he gets up. I don't communicate with him when I do this, just calmly put him back. It really is to no avail.
Over the last couple of weeks, I have just started to lose my temper. This evening I really shouted at him for pulling my hair and again, later, when he kicked me as I put on a nappy before bed.
On top of this, he is more generally pushing boundaries - not doing as he's asked, running away laughing at bath time, when it's time to get dressed, put on shoes, etc. It is completely exhausting. I think I do a really good job of praising good behaviour (everything from playing nicely to picking something up for me, to helping with cleaning) - and especially when he does things well which have sometimes been problems - for example, holding my hand on the pavement, or when he strokes my back (very sweet).
I long for a garden where he could run around, but instead live overseas in a city where property prices are huge and where there is an absolute dirth of spaces for children to run and play in. They even have to stick to the paths in parks. I am worried that his behaviour will get worse through boredom, but I just can't be out of the house all day with him - I have to get things done here too. And besides, getting out means a looooooooong time in a pushchair because of aforementioned dirth of green space. We always go out twice a day, however.
Help!