Tiggerhorns wrote

"Yes but what do you do when they are assaulting you?"

This happened to me only once, raising two children for 18 years. It was a few days after the second child was born, a very stressful time for all. I happened to be with a repair guy. Child #1 wanted to go into the bedroom and bother mom who was exhausted and sleeping. She was kicking and carrying on, trying to get past me into the room. Here is how I responded: I said no, repeatedly, in a calm voice. I physically held her off; blocked her way, but let her go anywhere else. Whenever she headed back to door, I just said "no, sorry sweety-pie, not now." This went on for a good 10 minutes. The repairman finally said "I have never seen a dad so so patient in my life." It was one of the finest complements I have ever enjoyed.

That's it. Just impose your will, keep calm and don't do anything more than you need to do to prevent the behavior. Spanking or threats would be a disastrous response! Why raise your voice when you are strong enough to physically stop a 3-year-old? Never make a big issue about something that does not matter. Waking up a sleeping woman who has just given birth matters a lot! Not eating your beans or putting on your coat is trivial. Let the kid get cold and she will learn to put on coats.

Always remember that kids are as smart as you, as aware and complicated as you, and you should obey the golden rule for them as much (or more) than anyone else. Never do or say anything to a child that you would not want someone to say to you.

And honestly, what is there to get upset about when you are attacked? Getting kicked or bitten is unnerving but it should not provoke anger in an adult. Concern, yes, obviously. It would worry me if it happened more than once or twice. But before you get upset, please remember that you are not a 3-year-old.

My kids turned out perfect, by the way. I may not be perfect, but they are. At least in my opinion.