I'm having a nightmare with DS2

[PhilippeFlop]

DS2 has taken to hitting, kicking and pinching me when he doesn't get his own way, also hurting himself by head butting things.

I also have DD who has just turned 1 and is going through a difficult stage.

DP isn't being supportive and doesn't understand why I am stressed out.

Not sure what I want to gain from posting here, just needed to vent to actual adults (I don't get to see much of those in RL!)

How old is he?

I can completely understand why it's stressing you out! Your partners not being very supportive.

gillian He turned two last week, he's a rollercoaster of emotions at the minute, which I'm sure is totally normal but it's such hard work.

DP is just shit in general at the minute, money issues and working all hours are not helping. We have a holiday coming up soon though so I'm hoping that will chill him out a bit or drive him mental being with the kids 24/7

My DS did this sometimes around that age (he's now 3.5)

I tried all the usual "naughty boy, bad bad bad" ; naughty step and generally getting cross etc. It Made it worse.

I was moaning to his key worker at nursery one day, and saying that it had really upset me over the weekend, after a particularly bad incident (I ended up in tears!) She told me to do the opposite: ignore, walk away and make a big thing about it to myself "poor me, that really hurt me, I'll have to go and treat myself to a cup of tea and a biscuit" etc.

I thought she was mad, but in desperation tried it. It bloody worked!! He only did if about 3 more times. Seems it was all about the reaction and attention... funny things these 2 year olds.