My toddler has just started randomly hitting/slapping me. Usually right over the eye/forehead, and doesn't really do it to my partner or other kids/people.

It isn't in response to me telling him he can't do something either, it always takes me by surprise like there is no trigger for it. Like he will be happily talking then *SLAP* right in my open eye 🤕😢 without him even looking at me first.

I've never been hit by anyone so it's not like he's copying the behaviour. I try talking to him calmly afterwards, he will always offer to kiss it better, and I give him alternatives also so if he suddenly wants to hit something he can hit a pillow or the couch. I just don't know how to teach him it's unacceptable behaviour without knowing why he's doing it to start with. He's never angry or tired or hungry at the time. Maybe he thinks it's a game?? He's my first so I'm completely new to this whole toddler parenting gig.

Any advice would be appreciated before I go completely blind from trauma to my eye..