| Toddler biting is a fairly common toddler behaviour | | | | decide it is important to be clear, firm and consistent in |
| which always arouses embarrassment in the parent of | | | | using this same consequence each time he bites. |
| the biter and indignation in the parent of the child on the | | | | * Immediately name the behaviour so your toddler |
| receiving end. | | | | understands the term for it. Tell him "that's biting! We |
| When a toddler bites, he is telling you in the only way | | | | do not bite people!" |
| he knows, that something is bothering him. It may be | | | | * Focus your attention on the child who is bitten. Do |
| that he's overexcited or tired, bored or frustrated, | | | | this in front of your child so he learns firstly that his |
| confused or hungry. toddler biting | | | | action earns less attention than the child who is bitten, |
| Biting is not a sign that your child is a bully, a bad child, | | | | and secondly mirror to your child concern and |
| or poorly parented. Rather, it is your child's way of | | | | sympathy to the hurt child. |
| communicating. | | | | * Help your child to apologize to the child he has bitten. |
| Biting is among the most agonizing and embarrassing | | | | If the biting has arisen over possession of a toy, or |
| of toddler behaviour, is usually fairly short lived and | | | | jostling in the playground, help your child to make |
| pretty typical of pre-verbal behaviour. | | | | amends by giving the toy to the other child, or by |
| The most common reason toddlers bite is because of | | | | relinquishing his position. |
| their inability to handle frustration. | | | | * Apologize to the child's parents then remove your |
| Unfortunately, many parents whose toddlers don't bite, | | | | child from the situation and immediately apply the |
| frequently make judgments around this form of toddler | | | | consequence. |
| behaviour, with the parents and biting child often being | | | | * By being vigilant in your attention, you can usually |
| isolated from social situations and playgroups. | | | | determine what your child needs to communicate. |
| If biting becomes a problem among your group of | | | | * Teach him the words to replace biting. |
| toddlers and parents, do try to 'get it out there' by | | | | Speak clearly with your child about his biting and teach |
| addressing it as a problem behaviour and deciding on | | | | your child ways to communicate to replace the biting. "I |
| the joint action you will take together. It is certainly | | | | feel cross, angry, upset..." "It's my turn".... "It's mine." |
| helpful to both the biter and his parents, if everyone is | | | | It's very important to be consistent in your approach so |
| on the same page. This will stop the behaviour more | | | | that your toddler does not get into a habit of biting. |
| quickly. | | | | Never bite your child back This only teaches him that |
| Toddler Biting | | | | although children mustn't bite, adults can. It is also helpful |
| * Get down to his level, eye-to-eye | | | | to cease playing biting games with him, such as |
| * State a very firm "NO! That's biting. We do not bite | | | | pretending to bite his toes etc, while he is learning that |
| people!" | | | | biting is not right behaviour. |
| * Remove him immediately | | | | Toddlers need to witness their parents' healthy |
| * Be firm, clear and consistent in repetition. | | | | expressions of anger and then watch skillful conflict |
| * Don't waste time lecturing your toddlers. | | | | resolution. |
| * Action is best. | | | | This is the way they learn how to do this for |
| * Decide on the consequence your child will face for | | | | themselves. |
| biting. | | | | Aim to play fair in front of them. |
| This could be placing him in timeout or leaving the | | | | They are constantly observing your reactions. |
| playground or playgroup immediately. Whatever you | | | | |