ITA Nads, being hit in the face is by far the most difficult thing for me to deal with too. It shocked me the first time she did it that despite the fact she is tiny, doesn't mean it, and isn't very strong, my initial (obviously supressed) reaction when ANYONE hits me in the face is to smack them back!

When she hits my face i take her offending hand and say very sternly "hands are NOT for hitting people." and then put her down and offer her a pillow or something to hit. The rejection of being put down is harsh for some kids but it is ok IMO to put her down for a second and when she cries pick her up and say "you're sad i put you down, mama gets very sad when her face is hit!" and then comfort one another. I always think that providing a way for a kid to make it up to you is brilliant too, otheriwse they're sort of lost with the fact that they hurt you and can't take it back. If i accidentally knock DD i say sorry, stroke or rub what i hit and ask if i can give her a hug better, and she now does this to me. The most amazing thing just now is that though she DOES still hit, she will say immediately "hands a NOT FOR hitting!" so it's going in. Her hands don't yet always do what her mind tells them to, but i know she's listening and she's trying - it's like potty training, they begin by telling you AFTER they go that they need to. With discipline they begin to "get" it by recognising undersireable behaviour AFTER they do it. But it's a great first step IMO

It sounds like the ear and hair pulling is DEFINITELY to do with teething pain. Hang in there hun, i'm feeling you sleepless agonies!

Bx