It is not uncommon for toddlers to hit and to bite. While not every toddler will hit and bite, almost all toddlers will experience temper tantrums that they cannot control. There is a reason that it is called the “terrible two’s.” Fortunately for parents, the days of tantrums, hitting, and biting won’t last forever.

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 hitting or biting might harm another child or another person. Often times, a hit or 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 and hitting are 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, hitting and biting are often just the result of regular playing gone bad.

Some tips to help your child who is hitting or biting include:

– Don’t hit or bite your child back. Your toddler isn’t trying to hurt his playmate. He needs to be told that the action is wrong, and if you hit or bite your toddler, 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 and offer a time out or other appropriate punishment.

– If your toddler is hitting or biting to make a point or out of frustration, help him explore other options to solve the problem. If he hits a playmate that takes a toy, show him how to use words to get the toy back rather than his fists. Give him alternatives to hitting and biting.

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 hitting and biting can make the difference on whether they continue the inappropriate behavior.

Posted in Baby and Toddler

Related Articles:

• Dealing with Toddler Biting
• How Can We Stop Our Toddler From Biting?
• How To Handle An Older Dog Around Toddlers
• How To Treat Ant Bites In A Toddler
• How to Handle a Out of Control Toddler
• Why Has My Toddler Started Acting Out Since The New Baby Came Home?
• My Toddler Keeps Having Tantrums Over Her Food. What Should I Do?
• Why Has My Toddler Started To Throw Temper Tantrums?
• Teaching A Toddler To Brush Her Teeth
• How Long Should I Breastfeed My Toddler?