My 2yo DS has hit and scratched my face three times already today when he hasn't got his own way. It's really getting me down and I just don't know how to handle it and make it stop!
It's been happening for quite a long time now, at least 6 months, and we've tried a few things - showing him to stroke not scratch, telling him we don't scratch, putting him in his cot for time out - and none of it works. He will also pull my hair - sometimes, when I'm holding him, he'll grab my hair with both hands and pull it in opposite directions making it difficult for me to put him down. And it's so painful! These incidents can be triggered by all sorts of things - me wanting to change his nappy, saying no to his demands for an ice lolly or to watching TV. We thought it might get better now he's more verbal but I don't think it has as now he's able to ask for more things that I won't always agree to.
The scratches and slaps come out of nowhere - before the incident just now we were cuddled up on the sofa together watching one of his favourite programmes - so I don't necessarily have any warning signs either. And, when he's not being violent, he is a lovely boy - playful and affectionate, albeit very strong-willed! Has anyone been through this? Any advice you can give me? Is it normal or should I be seeking professional help with it?