[Scruffers]

OK. First I would like to know who mad up the lie of the "terrible two's"? My son' behavior at 2 was nothing like that of late. As soon as he doesn't get his way, he whines, sometimes scream. I try not to spank him, but he lashes out when I put him in time out. He begins yelling, hitting, scratching, and sometimes trying to bite. Today, I scratched him back (I have no nails due to my bad habits, so it's not like I injured him in any way). It made quite an impression on him. He couldn't believe that I had done that! I really couldn't either. There's gotta be a better way. I did finally come up with the brilliant solution that if he continues to slam his door, I will just take it off the hinges! That has kept the slamming under control, for now. I know that I need to buy a timer so that he can see when his time out is up, but what else? I really am at a loss here. He is such a sweetheart--grabbing me around the neck several times a day and saying "I wuv you, Mommy!" out of the blue. He will wipe away my tears when I cry and say, "Do you miss Meemaw? I'm sorry. It's ok." These things tell me that he is ok, but I really am worried about this temper-tantrum thing. His father and I are both very passionate people, so I know EXACTLY where he gets his hot temper from. My mom is no longer here for me to ask what she did with me, although I don't think I was quite this bad. I really would appreciate any suggestions you might be able to give.