D.S.
Thanks for being in the Navy, and my heart goes out to you during this time!! My two cents is that he is looking for limits, as he knows adults who love him will set limits and help him feel safe. I think being lenient may not be what he's looking for. So don't be unreasonable, but do give him consequences. My son doesn't sit still for time outs, just keeps pushing, so I tell him I do not want to be around him when he's not nice and I leave the room. He HATES it and changes his behavior. So when your son is being good, cuddle him and love him and let him know you care. Maybe a special outing for the two of you would be nice? My son turned three in May, and I can talk to him about being pleasant today, and making good choices. So if he's unhappy I will ask him, would he like to end the day on a good note, and often times he and I both change our attitude for the better. Good luck!! D.