Hi guys, I need some help in dealing with my 2 year old. We have another one on the way I’m 36 weeks +2 due pretty soon and I have been very tired.we have help from my mother in law who helps a lot and really goes out of her way she’s moved in with us for about half a year now to help with our son while I worked full time to save up before the 2nd comes, but the problem is she’s very soft and spoiling so my son throws tantrums and hits her like a mad horse. He only listens to me but then again will push my buttons at times. Anyways I’ve tried putting him in timeout and letting him throw his tantrums but the hitting is not ok with me. He will hit and scream when he doesn’t get his way. He’s even started to run to grab things and throw at my mil or will chase her to hit her. My last resort was a spank on the butt or tapping his hand when he hits but he will laugh and try to hug me when I do that, so it’s not working... (something I’ve tried to stay away from) I’ve gotten to a point of feeling so upset and disappointed because I can’t figure out what to do.

We’ve asked my mother in law to not spoil him and give him everything he wants and let him hit her, she’s just so soft and allows him to do whatever like she is scared to upset him. I’ve gotten to the point where I’ve spoken to my husband about just having her move back out and trying to do this on my own because I don’t want my son to continue this behavior, but I also feel so bad. my husband is very understanding because he knows his mother very well. She is a godsend because she helps with everything in the house and treats me so well, cooking for us cleaning basically everything and never wants to let me do anything but rest but I’m just overwhelmed for some reason!

Anybody know what to do to discipline him so this doesn’t continue? I’ve even had a therapist come to help my mother in law with how to deal with him etc., but it won’t work if she doesn’t follow through with it.

I’m more of a strict disciplinarian and doesn’t like to put up with this type of behavior and my son knows that, but at this stage of the 2nd pregnancy I can’t always step in to stop him from treating her like that and it bothers me. He behaves more when I’m there but as soon as I turn my back he will try to get candy or things from her and when she tries to say no because we asked her to not give him all the junk food, (she buys lots of lollipops and candy, cookies etc. for him) he will hit her?! That’s how much he picks on her! If he gets upset with me he turns around and hits her! She’s like his punching bag at this point and it’s not ok! >

Help please!