How Can We Stop Our Toddler From Biting?
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Biting is a common problem among toddlers. However, it is important to understand why a child bites before trying to stop your toddler from biting.
Toddlers are still developing their concept of themselves and their concept of others. At that stage of development, it is difficult for a toddler to understand exactly how biting might harm another child or another person. Often times, a bite is not made out of aggression on the part of your toddler; it is more often a way for your toddler to try to make their point, or to express themselves. In some cases, biting is just a part of toddler experimentation with ideas about cause and effect. If he bites his sister, your toddler gets to hear her scream, for example. For other toddlers, biting is often just the result of regular playing gone bad.
Some tips to help your child who is biting include:
- Don’t bite your child back. Generally, your toddler isn’t trying to hurt his playmate. He needs to be told that the action is wrong, and if you bite your toddler back, it sends a mixed message to him that hitting or biting are OK sometimes.
- Give her the benefit of the doubt. Again, your toddler may not be trying to misbehave. Explain that it is wrong to bite someone and offer a time out or other appropriate punishment.
- If your toddler is biting to make a point or out of frustration, help him explore other options to solve the problem. If he bites a playmate that takes a toy, show him how to use words to get the toy back rather than his teeth. Give him alternatives to biting.
- Be aware of the signs. Your toddler will often repeat certain patterns; if you see that your toddler is getting angry or frustrated, stop him and redirect him before he gets to the biting stage.
- Explain why biting is wrong. Do it simply and firmly. Look her in they eye and tell her that biting hurts. We don’t bite. Tell your friend that you are sorry.
- Don’t reward biting with attention. Give more attention to the child who has been bitten.
Toddlers are at a difficult state in their lives. They are experiencing new freedoms, independence and abilities, but they also have a strong need for security. The way that you handle biting can make the difference on whether they continue the inappropriate behavior.
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