My stepson is 2.5 and is in a phase of hitting whenever he is having a tantrum or whenever he is told no or to stop doing something. He just finds it funny if you tell him off, his dad and mum both smack him (I don't agree with this) but again he just laughs. If you try to stop him he escalates the hitting and starts kicking, head butting and trying to bite you.
I have been in his life since just before he was 1 and see him at least once or twice a week but I have no idea how to cope with this. I'm finding it very hard as he explodes at any moment. Any tips?