Don’t Bite. It Hurts!
Biting is a typical behaviour often seen in infants, toddlers, and 2–3-year-olds. As children mature, gain self-control, and develop problem solving skills they usually stop.
But why bite?
Frustration is often the key.
Even with your best prevention efforts, biting incidents might still occur. When your child bites, firmly let them know that this behaviour is not acceptable by saying, ‘No. We don’t bite!’ Explain that biting hurts the other person. Then remove your child from the situation and give the child time to calm down.
Some adults have different techniques to handle this problem. The one that horrified me the most was to hear that the adult decided to bite back to show how much it hurt. Certainly, something I would never advocate. That is not to say that a bitten child won’t retaliate by a reciprocal bite.
Re direction and distraction must be the key. Shadow the biter! Look for triggers!
I am aware that children ages 1 to 3 years old may bite when they’re overcome by feelings such as fear, anger, and frustration. They could be overstimulated, perhaps teething. Your child may also bite because someone bit them first of course. I have witnessed toddlers bite during a fight over a toy, or if they feel cornered and fear they’re about to be hurt.
All these behaviours are common and usually short lived. But there is always the exception to the rule. Persistent biting can be a sign that a child has emotional or behavioural problems which indeed cause huge anxiety for the parent. This is when collectively carers, nursey providers and adults generally need to work together to identify the cause. Most of all I believe that shouting and yelling at a child who bites is not helpful. It is likely to make them more upset and induce an increase in negative behaviour.
Monitor the situation and all will be revealed in time as to why they feel the need to bite.
I have learned there are seasons for all things in life and this too will pass. Meanwhile recently my own little granddaughter who is now 18 months old started smacking and biting. I didn’t shout at her, managed to move away quickly and avoid the bite, but did get a couple of slaps on the face. Not sure why she felt led to try this, but my response was one of upset rather than anger. Basically, I pretended to cry whilst affirming No. My words were, ‘no you are hurting nanny,’ to which she was astounded. Again, pretending to cry I asked her to give me a cuddle and a love, re directing her behaviour. She gave me the most delicious hug and has not shown aggression since.
Just to mention rarely does a child’s bite break the skin, but if it does – as any human bite can present the risk of infection – wash the wound with soap and water, apply pressure with a clean bandage and seek medical advice.
Chat soon.
Anna
