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It is common for some children to go through a “biting” stage and take little chomps at adults and peers, like a piranha. As frustrating as that can be, it is normal in a child’s development. Children have a lot of emotions in their little bodies but don’t quite have all the words to express them. When children feel frustrated, angry, fearful, or overwhelmed, they may express their emotions physically, like biting and hitting. Other reasons children bite include:
- Teething.
- Exploring toys/objects.
- Cause and effect (to see the reaction).
- Lack of communication skills.
How can we prevent something like this from happening?
- Distract your child with a toy or book. Suggest how your child might handle the situation triggering the need to bite.
- Suggest ways to share or take turns.
- Read books together about biting (see below for examples).
If a bite happens, your response can also have a huge impact. Remember, staying calm and firm when responding to these situations is essential. Tell the child it is not okay to bite using simple language, such as “no biting” or “biting hurts.” Be sure to tend to the needs of the bitten person and clean the area with soap and water. If the bite is deep and bleeding, seek medical attention. Once things have calmed down, talk about what the child can do instead of biting by using their words such as “no,” “that’s mine,” and “stop.”
Thankfully, biting can be easy to correct if you consistently use positive reinforcement and planning. If you try these steps and the behavior continues, consider using time-outs and follow the recommended guidelines for your child’s age. You can find an example of recommended guidelines on healthychildren.org.
Just remember, never hit or bite a child as a punishment. This reaction can teach them that it’s okay to bite or strike.
Books to share with your child about biting:
- Little Dinos Don’t Bite
- Teeth Are Not for Biting
- People Don’t Bite People
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