Terrible Two

Recently, I have been trying to keep my sanity and cool every other day. I have always label myself as those hands-on mums who prefer to handle even the most nittty gritty matters when it concerns Zaccheues. In short, I am the working mother by day and the educator, discipline mistress and the Civics Moral Education (CME) teacher at night. I see all these as my duty as a mum to impart the right knowledge and values to Zaccheues. At times, I might grumbled, complained and nagged but most of the times, I took my duties with pride and stride.
However, I think my patience is running low towards Zaccheus these days. He is not behaving as well as I would like to. At times, Zaccheus would throw his toys on the floor, hit his cousins and even DS and myself. He would also refuse to apologize for his mistakes. Things were made worse when he constanly whines and cries whenever I don't give him what he asks for. Initially, I was still being patient to him by explaining to him why he can't have certain things. But his refusal to stop at times drove me so angry that I shouted at him and even hit his hands. Many a time, I feel like a lousy mother who can't discpline my son well.
One day, I chanced upon few online articles talking about 'terrible two' stage in a child's growing up years. According to the websites, toddlers at this age tend to exhibit certain negative behaviours as part of the 'terrible two' process. The articles also give useful suggestions for parents. After reading it, I was feeling so relieved as I now know I am not the only parent going through this, and also the problems do not lie with my son but rather it's a general problem accross this age.
So few days agao, I laid down some ground rules and set up a refelction corner in the house. I went through each and every rules with Zaccheus and told him the consequence (reflection corner) if he doesn't conform to the rules. I hope to let him understand about the cause and effect of his actions. So far, Zaccheus has been behaving well except for occasional whines and cries. Having said these, I will continue to be a dedicate mum to all his needs and developments. At the same time, I am also casting my fears, nervousness and eagerness on God and relying on His strength to pull through this 'terrible two' process.