I know this is very likely typical 2.5 year old behaviour but I'm at my wits end and need solidarity! My DS is going through a phase of awful tantrums, screaming, hitting and not listening.
He's stopped saying "please" and "thank you", and it's very difficult to get him to say sorry when he's hit me/thrown a toy at the TV etc. We went out the other day and he just kept running off, wouldn't get in the buggy, was screaming 90% of the time and it was impossible to calm him down. He will be really hyper one minute and then be exhausted the next.
He's always had tantrums and not listened but we've always been able to reason with him. But not anymore! There is no reasoning, ever. He just doesn't listen to what we're saying and nothing seems to pull him out the tantrum, it's like he's so overwhelmed in that moment he can't hear what we're saying to him. He is constantly defying me in particular, I have been calm, I've shouted, I've put him in time out, I've ignored, I've explained things clearly and simply, I've hugged him, done gentle parenting.... Nothing works. I'm exhausted by the constant daily battle. First thing in the morning, he won't let you change his nappy, put clothes on him, brush his teeth, it's the wrong breakfast bowl etc!! And this goes on and on throughout the day. He wants to do everything on his terms, and will just ignore me.
Someone please tell me I'm not alone and that this will pass at some point!! I'm at my wits end!!