Have you tried checking out the advice on http://www.families.com I recently read about someone who had a very similar problem to yours and with the advice and tips she received she solved the problem in a matter of days. If you really don't want to resort to the tactics your mother used you should really give take a look at this. I used it all the time for any problems that I might have with my 2 year old and I have to say I have received some really good advice and would definitely recommend it to anyone. Let me know how you get on.

Hi, Have you tried ignoring it. When he realises he doesn't get a reaction he may stop doing it. That worked with my son when he picked up the word **** It! He said it over and over cos he knew it upsset me. As soon as I just ignored him he soon got bored.

My children told me very few times that they hated me. My response was a very sad face, and to tell them I'm sorry they felt that way, because I LOVED them very, very much. I could and would never hate them. It seemed to do it.
Mary