[atouchofheaven]

for the head-butting, you could prepare yourself when you know it's coming and grab a pillow to put on your chest. and the scratching, if you tuck their arms under their elbows when you cross their arms and hold their wrists they shouldn't be able to scratch you. there is training on this kind of stuff. you could look into it. there's two methods, one is called PMT (physical/psychological management training) and TCI (therapeutic crisis intervention). i took both of them when i worked in a school for kids with behavior and emotional disorders. a training program will teach you how to restrain safely so you won't hurt your child or yourself. good luck.