How to discipline an 2.5 year old
I know the title sounds harsh but I'm at my wits end here. My son is 2.5 years old and well into those "terrible twos". He throws tantrums, throws his toys, hurts me and my husband and other people who care for him and doesnt listen. He listens sometimes so I know he understands. But how do I go about disciplining him in a way that he understands but also discourages the behaviors?
Recently he's been throwing his toys at me and pulling my hair. I've tried taking his toys but then he just cries or gets another toy. I've tried talking to him. I've tried demonstrating playing nicely. I've tried time outs (they dont really work because he doesnt stay where he's supposed to unless he's penned in with baby gates). I've tried removing myself. I've even tried yelling (because im beyond frustrated and often in pain).
Is this just a waiting game? He gets plenty of activity and food and outside time, so he shouldnt be bored. He almost never gets screen time and if he does its one or two episodes of bluey on the living room TV while I make dinner.
Please, does anybody have something that works?