Toddler Biting
Toddler Biting and Other Aggressive Behavior
Executive Summary by Harriet Morris and Karen Bianchi
Toddler biting, kicking, hair pulling and other anti-social behaviors are scary the first time you witness them, whether or not your child is on the receiving end.
Why Toddlers Become Aggressive
Toddlers Biting
Young children can’t express themselves properly because of their limited language. If you’ve ever made an unkind remark and instantly regretted it, imagine that a toddler who sinks her teeth into another’s arm is doing the same thing, but without words. Moreover, under the age of 2 the concept of right and wrong is utterly meaningless.
Toddlerhood is a time when ambition outstrips ability. Trying to climb onto a chair that is too high, or pull a cat’s tail - the list is endless. Frustration is the result, and biting and so on is sometimes the consequence of that frustration.
What To Do About This Aggressive Behavior
Toddlers bite for a variety of reasons, including teething, inability to communicate and the desire for attention. Toddler biting usually begins around 18-24 months of age and typically stops by age 3, when the child learns to communicate feelings verbally.
Prevent it if possible. Closely monitor your child if anti-social behavior is becoming a habit. You may have to act like a United Nations peace keeper between warring toddlers, or even avoid danger zones like playgroup for a while. You must always respond and take these incidents seriously.
Here are 10 tips to consider if your child is a biter:
1. Show your child by your tone and expression that biting is not acceptable.
2. Remove the child from the situation immediately.
3. Do not, under any circumstances, bite your child back.
4. Provide teething rings, teething biscuits or cold washcloths for children who are teething.
5. Look for consistencies in the biter’s environment and emotional state at each episode. Is the child tired or hungry? Has there been a change in his/her routine?
6. If you see your child becoming frustrated, intervene and get him/her involved in something positive.
7. Work with your child on building communication skills.
8. Make sure your child is getting adequate sleep for his/her age and try to maintain a schedule.
9. Give plenty of praise when he/she handles tough situations in a positive way.
10. Be sure you are giving your child plenty of attention.
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