My son is nearly 2 and has developed a terrible habit of hitting his dad and I when he is frustrated/angry or throwing his head back and head butting us. He has almost burst my nose and lip several times. He hits his grandparents too.
The hitting is slowly starting to manifest outside of the house too with other children.
I want to nip this in the bud as quickly as possible so it doesn't become an issue.
When he hits us I get down to his level and hold his hands down and say 'hands are not for hitting' this is usually followed by him hitting me in the face again or laughing at me.
I've tried giving him a time out but again he laughs and runs away or if he does stay, when I go back to get him I'm met with another slap to the face.
Tonight for example, I put him to bed and he was lying crying, I went in a few times to settle and he was seeking attention and comfort . I picked him up which he what he was gesturing for to be slapped in the face again.
I'm totally at breaking point as I cannot cope with being slapped anymore. It's embarrassing when we are out and he does it.
I'm very stern with him and have raised my voice to no avail. He finds it funny.
Any advice appreciated.