My son started this behavior 14 mo i was reading on tantrums yesterday and they can start anywhere from 1 yo-3 yo. It doesn't mean that you or anyone in your family is teaching him this, it's a stage. They start to understand more but cannot yet express themselves with words.

Possibly some visual aid could help. My daughter was a little older about 15 months old when I started up behavior chart. It started off difficult until she got into the routine of it and it turned out to be one of us things I've ever done. I never spanked or hit my daughter either what we did as a punishment was found a spot where she could be alone and wouldn't be able to see anything like the TV put her high chair there and would Buckle her in and set a timer. The only time we would let her out is when she was calm and then I would sit her down and talk to her about the behavior why it's wrong and what she could do instead. It's difficult for such a young child to understand but if you start explaining something to them that they don't quite understand at such a young age they will learn it quicker because it'll become a constant norm and eventually they'll understand.

For starters in my opinion you're doing the right thing by not hitting him as a punishment for hitting. That's just the dumbest thing I've ever heard. It's absolutely a mixed message that can just cause a child to act out even more. I don't think he's really being influenced by anybody with his behavior he's one he is learning his voice at this age they're going to start testing anybody and everybody to see what they can and cannot get away with. Hitting kicking spitting and punching someone I believe is a natural human reaction to defend yourself. Another thing I don't think he's being influenced by anyone with. it is something that all children go through and need to be taught a positive alternative which is difficult to do with a one year old.

My son learned that on his own. My son started his terrible twos early ,