Kids sometimes throw tantrums because they are frustrated over the fact that they can't express something to you the way they want to. My daughter does the same thing with banging her head on walls or on the floor. She left a nasty bruise a couple of times too. I tried the walking away and ignorning her when she got like this, but many times it seemed to only make it worse. I can understand why in a way, though... I mean if you were trying to tell someone something and began getting upset cause you couldn't, and then that person just walked away from you... how would that make you feel?

I have found that if I pick her up and talk soothingly to her and rub her back it sometimes helps. I say things like, "I know it's frustrating... and it will be all right". It takes a couple of minutes, but she settles a lot faster than if I leave her on her own. When that doesn't work or she gets violent, then I lay her on her sheep skin rug and let her work it out on her own. As I lay her down, though, I tell her that I can't help her if she won't calm down. I know she probably doesn't understand me yet, but I hope that when she's a little older she will begin to understand that you can't solve your problems by throwing tantrums.

heh, isn't parenting SO much fun at this stage?

our eldest son started this stage at about 16-17 months, and it didn't last too long. i mean, he still has his moments (waaaaaaaay too many moments) but he's usually back to the sweetheart he once was :-)

i think what worked best for us was drawing a line in the sand as to acceptable and unacceptable behaviour, and sticking to it. we bent the rules for him a couple of times early on, and he manipulated that real well. so being firm, and dealing with the probnlem there and then, rather than delaying punishment worked for us.

dunno why, but i always STILL try and reason with him. i like to think it works :-) lol

good luck, stay cool

-peace

All my children went through this stage in various degrees. The 3 keys are don't get angry he wants a reaction if you get angry or tence he has control . Try the soft no it works like this. Child wants something that he can't have take it away and clearly say no ! At his level while making direct eye contact. If child starts to hit or hurt him self  either restrain his wrists gently but firmly. If he trys to bang his head lift him to the standing positon , then repeat the eye contact and repeat the no firmly but slightly quieter. At the same time try to relax your sholders & posture, try to look bored!  Repeat  this again trying to look more bored every time.Last but not least , the most important when they stop praise them put on your biggest smile & play a short fun game they really like. But as soon as they resort to being horrible again repeat the firm quiet but bored no.They soon learn that good behaviour is much more fun.

Keep your head up. All kids go through terrible twos, some worse than others. Try really praising him when he's good(maybe through rewards. Extra big hugs and kisses). And take away things as a form of punishment. He'll soon work it out. Good Luck. 

it is hard, but i have found (my daughter 20 months) that the terrible 2 stage can start anywhere fro 16 months! My daughter didn't start throwing tantrums until just recently....and i either walk away and ignore her OR throw a childish tantrum with her....and then she soon stops!
Try doing this with your son!

I hope you find a solution to get your son to behave...but unfortunately....it's something that parents have to go through!

Could he be sensing underlying upset or tension from you and your hubby? Due to hubby going away.they as you know are extremely perceptive.If he wont respond to distraction or redirection try placing him in his cot for a minute or two,he doesn't have to completely stop crying before you get him out but the idea is to place him where he is safe and not all that   interesting,if you are consistant he will know that the tanty throwing only results in boredom.I also found if I was at the end of my tether it was a breathing space for me as well.I don't by any means suggest leaving them in there for a great length of time,just long enough to get the message accross.I did this with Breanna around this age.I still do it,I find it to be the most powerful method of getting through to her.Most times I just say do you want to go to your cot! and she will usually stop any bad behaviour.It takes consistancy though. hope this helps regards Merle