Tackling Your Toddler’s Biting Habit
Somewhere between one and three years old, toddlers tend to start a biting habit. The most frequent cause of this behavior is that there are only so many ways a toddler can communicate with those around him. Another reason that toddlers bite is that they feel frustrated because their motor and communication skills are so limited at this time. But not all children have the biting habit. Some grab, shove, pinch or punch. That’s probably just as bad!
A toddler likely finds it amusing when mommy jumps straight up, or a little friend starts crying. Another possible cause of biting behavior is related to teething; if they can put a teething ring in their mouth, why not someone’s ear? The cause might even be as basic as being hungry.
What means can you use to help your child learn not to bite? It has to be completely understood that biting is bad behaviour and can hurt others. Point out how much pain it causes other children when your toddler bites them. Be sure to let your toddler know that biting is not allowed, that it’s wrong, and that it makes you unhappy.
If you find that your child is biting due to frustration, give your toddler an alternative way to express to people they are having a difficult time. Even though teaching English seems to be a monumental task at this time, most toddlers can be taught words that are right for certain situations.
As an example, “When you need to tell mommy that you need some help, you can’t bite.” Or “Show mommy what you need, but don’t bite. Mommy will get hurt if you bite her, and I know that you don’t want to make mommy sad.” This may bring a cloak of shame of what they are about to do and they may think their actions over again before actually biting.
Parents should not let biting become the center of attention. This will be true for any type of behavior that you want to discourage. Gently but firmly tell the toddler that there is no biting allowed, that it is wrong and that it hurts all sorts of people – both big and small.
Candace writes for the Toddler Website. If you enjoyed this article, you might want to read her latest post: Toddlers and Self Feeding.