He can’t tell you everything he needs. You must think for him

everything you think may be triggering him, even if it doesn’t seem to make sense. Is there anything you can avoid? Anything that could be improved by getting down to his level and making eye contact? Is it hunger? Is it when he is tired? How can some of the tantrums be sidestepped? You would be surprised how often you can avoid tantrums when you take the time to unpack what is happening regularly.

As gently and strongly as you can, help your son calm down. How this looks is different for each child. Some children like to be held. Others want you to stay nearby. Some like to hit other objects. Some just need you to listen while they rail against life’s injustices. See what works for your child.

Keep your sense of humour and surround yourself with people who have one, too. I know that the hitting is distressing, but it is not Defcon 1 either.

Be unabashed with your love and affection, especially after your son has had a hitting episode. Contrary to what many people think, showing your son with affection will not add to the hitting. Instead, if you separate the behaviour from the child, you will move through this stage more quickly.

Keep an eye on him as the years progress to make sure that there is nothing sensory going on. I don’t know many paediatricians who would be shocked at a 2-yearold who hits, but you should still keep your doctor abreast of what is happening with your child. Be able to list how you have reacted and what you have done to prevent the hitting.

Begin a small library of child-development books. One of my favourite series for parents is by Louise Bates Ames, and the name of her book about 2-yearolds is Deborah MacNamara’s

would also help you understand how young children mature and how parents can help facilitate their growth in simple ways. – The Washington Post