Firstly

Secondly, I agree wholeheartedly with what HotI said. Some sage advice there...

Thirdly, good for you both in going to 123 classes. I used that method with DS1 (before I even realised that it was a thing to do and you could take classes). And, good for him talking to you about it.

But... is there something else that is stressing/worrying your DH? If this is out of character (which I'm assuming it is) can he be over-reacting due to some other issues that he doesn't feel he can burden you with. I know when my husband is keeping something from me he goes quiet and withdrawn and will overact (in my opinion) to fairly insignificant things.


As an aside, I thought I'd share two examples from me when I've smacked a toddler.

DS2 got a smack yesterday. He was jumping on the dogs back and we told him to leave her alone. He went back. Took him away. He went back. Dog yelped. DS2 didn't stop when told. DS2 got a smack. DS2 apologised to Lucy (the dog). Did I over-react? Probably (in some people's opinion). But I would rather a smack on the bum from me than a nasty bite from a bullmastiff because she'd been pushed too far.

At DS1's first birthday party I put him down in his cot for a sleep. I found a friend's toddler (probably just over 3) in the room holding a pillow over DS1's head. I smacked him. Case closed. He didn't fess up to his mother when she asked why he was crying and I don't know if he ever did (little turd). But, in my opinion, he deserved it. I'd rather a smack on the bum to a toddler than a smothered baby.