I'm a single mum to a 3 year old boy (almost 4). Everything I do is to give him a good upbringing. On weekends and my days off work we attend lots of different activities, swimming, football, soft play etc. He has never been a spoilt child, I reduced my hours at work to give him my time rather than earn enough to give him materialistic things. Most of the time he's a really lovely boy but we have periods where he hits me, refuses to do anything I ask, even simple tasks like going to the toilet are a huge battle (he would rather wee himself standing next to the toilet than go on it). His bad mood usually lasts a few days then returns to normal. On the days he's been naughty I don't know how to discipline him. He's a very stubborn boy so putting him on the naughty step etc. can easily take 30 minutes to get him to stay there so if we have to get to nursery it's not an option. Confiscating toys or not allowing him to attend his activities don't make any difference either. I try not to scream and shout or get into a physical battle with him however he's really testing my patience! He has had a period of terrible tantrums previously and I contacted my health visitor for advice, they suggested I restrain him from hitting me with one hand and carry on doing an activity with the other hand so he's not getting my attention - not very easy now he's another year older! Any advice gratefully received.