Around one and three years of age, a toddler will frequently begin to bite others. The most frequent cause of this behavior is that there are only so many ways a toddler can communicate with those around him. However, not all children bite. Some grab, shove, pinch or punch. That’s probably just as bad!
Also, toddlers sometimes start biting because their motor skills and ability to communicate are so restricted, that they have to express themselves somehow.
It can seem funny for a young toddler to see his mommy suddenly bolt upright or for one of her playmates to begin 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 are the ways in which your child can learn that biting is wrong? 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. Although it seems a gargantuan effort for your toddler to communicate with words, this is a great time to start teaching them the right words for a situation.
For instance, “You have to let daddy know that you need something, but not by biting.” Or “Let mommy know what you need, but no biting. You’ll hurt her if you bite, and I know you would never want to hurt mommy.” 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.
As parents, you shouldn’t let biting become a big issue. This is the case for any behavior that you don’t want to become a habit. 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.
Visit Toddlers Now for more great tips on raising a little one.