I have a 18 month old who has just started hitting himself.
He used to hit other's when he didn't get what he wanted or if he was just in a mood but, both parents and myself worked together to correct by positive reinforcement by telling him as he was hitting someone that we don't hit our friends and really focus on the positive behavior like sharing.
Seems this little one is just getting more frustrated than anything. Throwing toys if I offer him another because another little one is playing with a toy that he thinks is his { you know the toddler rules- if I think it's mine, then it's mine } however saying that, it's not a laughing matter when this little guy loses his cool. It is becoming quite often, now he is hitting his Mom when she comes to pick him up and I've noticed that if he is just in a mood that he will hit someone who comes around him when he is playing and thinks someone might be taking a toy from him but the other kids want to just play.
Mom just told me that he had a really bad day on the weekend- hitting everyone- throwing toys and being miserable.
I am not one for time outs but do you think it will be effective instead of a time in. He is now hitting himself. This morning at drop off, the little one went to hit me when I put my arms out and I said in a very firm voice, do not hit me- that is not nice. He then went to hit himself...which I am guessing out of frustration. Giving him a few moments he put his arms out and like a light switch was happy and saying by to Mom and waving and started his day ~ until someone looked a toy he wanted.
I know he is entering the 'terrible two's' and his behavior is noramal but I've never had someone who seems so angry

I'm looking for your advice laides on how you would handle this- suggestions.