Just tossing an alternative perspective out there...
How do you know what he is thinking?
Maybe he isn't thinking that at all.
For example, my difficult child had major tantrums - but they were never pre-meditated to get him X or Y. They were a reaction to overload, and whatever the trigger was, was simply the last straw. It was all the other straws that were the "real" problem... as in, just too many straws.
All three of these issues - tantrums, violence and threats - are an attempt to re-gain control. The wrong way. But... what's the REAL trigger?
