2 year old throwing tantrums and harming himself

Hi everyone! This is a long one and kind of rambling, sorry! I have an almost two year old son (21 months to be exact) that within the past few months has started throwing what I would call extreme? temper tantrums. He was the easiest baby, and up until now has been the most easy going, sweetest toddler. Some are so bad he almost makes himself sick, will bite his hand so hard it leaves marks, or will hit himself in the head or face. He usually will throw a tantrum when I tell him no or won’t allow him to do something he has set out to do. For example, todays tantrum was because I told him he couldn’t swim in the duck pond at the park lol. I tried holding his hand and redirecting him, he threw himself down on the ground, snatched his hand away and started walking back towards the pond. This lasted well over five minutes. It got to the point I decided to leave the park because I could just not calm him down or redirect him. I was so embarrassed. I’m just not used to him behaving this way. At home he’s a relatively laid back, easy going toddler (every once in awhile he’ll hit himself if he’s told no) He also pretty much has free reign of his space at home. Meaning he has toys he can play with, books to look at and a big couch to cozy up on. Same with our backyard at home. It’s fenced in and he has many activities that he can hop around to. Very rarely is a temper tantrum thrown at home. I should also mention him and I are home the majority of the week. One day a week he spends the day with his grandma and cousin aged 2 1/2 while I work and one day we usually go shopping or out to eat with his grandpa. I’m wondering if these tantrums and the hitting are partly due to him not receiving a lot of time with other children or in a more structured setting? My husband thinks it’s his age and he’s too young to go to daycare/preschool. I’m sure I’ll get over my embarrassment of the tantrums but I’m also really concerned about him harming himself. Any insight or advice would be so appreciated. via /r/Parenting https://ift.tt/2S9mVxH