Suddenly aggressive toddler - kicks & throws everything!

[Cherrypie32]

DS is 2.3 and always been the 'angel child', however I can actually pinpoint a day 2 weeks ago when all that changed! Don't get me wrong, I was fully expecting terrible two's, tantrums etc I can deal with but it's his aggression that I am really finding difficult. He has become 'shouty' and loud, everything is 'mine', he constantly throws toys and kicks everything in his path. I cannot relax when he is around other children as he pushes, pulls hair, smacks them; we left toddlers the other day as he was just throwing the toys all round the room. He has a 4mth old sister and he only ever wants to smack her head. I am trying naughty steps (he does something then say's 'step' like it's a game), taking away toys (he's not bothered). I'm out of ideas short of a smacked bottom but know you can't treat violence with violence...any sympathisers/help pls x

Does he attend a pre-school setting - perhaps he has seen that behaviour or something there has made him think its ok for this behaviour? Somebody upsetting him etc? Presumably on that day you can pin point nothing out of the ordinary happened or has happened recently? Try ignoring it where you can as some of it will be so that he can get a reaction out of you - obviously if he or someone else is in danger then you can't!. However try not to lose your temper as this is what he wants and maybe taking away something else such as a trip out might hit home with him a bit more.Good luck! x

Yes, thankyou, am going to grill nursery a bit more as he attends two days a week and has recently gone into a new room. I know they are a bit older there and possibly there is a few loud/pushy children.

I sympathise completely. My 2.6 DS has recently changed almost beyond recognition in terms of his behaviour. Shouting, kicking things,"mine", yep, they all ring a bell. He has also got a new sister (three months old) and I am inclined to think that her arrival started it all off. It's almost as if he's suddenly realised she's actually here to stay.
I actually thought we had already gone through the "terrible twos" thing when he was just two - a week or so of using a "naughty spot" seemed to solve it, I really thought that would be that....silly me !
We are trying A)distraction, B)ignoring and C)naughty spot (in that order)It seems to be workng quite well, but it's still such a trial and so hard (for him and for us)
So far he's only been acting up with us, says he loves his sister and strokes her cheek ! However, I will be keeping my eyes peeled for any change.
Funnily enough, I got a mumsnet development update recently which said that two and a half is the "age of negativity" ! Couldn't have said it better myself !!
Not very helpful, I know, but I sooo sympathise.