Terrible 2's !?!

[h4haribo]

Hi
My little boy is 2, doesn't talk yet but understands a lot. I work full time and my OH stays at home to look after our Son. He has always been very strict with him and has given him a smack on the wrist if he has been naughty. This is something that don't really agree with and haven't done. I never really shouted at him when he started to be naughty / do things we didn't want him to do as I went back to work and it didn't feel right being away from him all day and then coming home and shouting at him etc. Now I feel like I can't control him. Its like he knows that i am a soft touch and can get away with things with me. I can shout at him until I'm blue in the face and it makes no difference. If I try and move him away from things he shouldn't be touching he tries to bite me. Getting him changed is a nightmare and as soon as i pick him up he pulls my hair or pulls at my face. I am at a loss as to what to do! Sorry for the long ranty post, I am hoping someone can help me. I am beginning to dread being left alone with him!

Hi OP, I feel your pain. I used to be exactly the same with my DS as I felt that what time we did have together outside me working I didnt want to spend it shouting and telling DS off. This led to what you are currently going through and I realized it needed to change. I still dont shout, raise my voice or smack my DS but I start counting. I start with 1 then tell him what the consequence will be (go on the naughty step, toy being taken away etc) if I get the 3. I dont count too fast and will always do a 2.5 before I get to 3. I did say 3 a lot at the beginning but now DS knows that I will carry out the consequence I normally only get to 2 and rarely will I now say 2.5 it even 3.
Good luck!