I am new to this site.  I am struggling with my 8 year old son.  He and I argue every day from the simplest thing of getting dressed for school in the morning to brushing his teeth.  You never know what is going to set him off and when the switch flips, look out.  He will become very violent - I mean hitting, kicking, pushing, punching, etc., throwing things at me and verbal.  He has been like this for some time.  The earliest age I recall is about 16 months of age.  At that point he was able to walk and would 'hunt me down' when I would correct him.  By the time he was 22 months of age he had broken my nose and would hit me whenever he would become upset with me.  When he was about 3 I had asked for some help and was referred to a behaviorist and the had instructed me to restrain him when ever he 'snapped'.  I can assure you that didn't last long because instead of calming him down, it just made it worse.  Through the years he has gotten stronger, more aggressive and controling and now verbally threatens me with violence.  I told him we need counciling and that his behavior is not improving.  His response to me is 'You can take me there but you can't force me to talk.'  I have gotten to the point ot where I feel like I'm walking on eggshells just to avoid setting him off 'cause you never really know what it's gonna be.  The strangest part about this whole thing is is that he only directs it at me - not at school, not when he visits friends, family, just me.  I need help and don't know what to do.