Tackling Your Toddler’s Biting Habit » Parent Plaza

Between their first and third birthdays, most toddlers engage in some form of biting. Typically, this behavior develops because it is one of the few means of communication available to a toddler. But not all children have the biting habit. 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 problem could even be as simple as being hungry.

What means can you use to help your child learn not to bite? You must make it perfectly clear that biting is wrong and hurtful. Let them know how much pain the other kids feel when your toddler bites them. Make sure you tell your toddler that biting is unacceptable and wrong and that mommy and daddy do not appreciate it.

If you think that your little one is biting out of frustration, help your toddler find another way to communicate that they're having a hard 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.

For example, “You need to tell mommy or daddy that you need help and not bite us." Or "Let mommy know what you need, but no biting. Mommy will get hurt if you bite her, and I know that you don't want to make mommy sad." This might induce a sense of shame for their actions, and they may think twice the next time before biting someone.

As parents, you shouldn't let biting become a big issue. This will be true for any type of behavior that you want to discourage. Let your toddler know, firmly yet gently, that biting is not permitted, that it's wrong and that it hurts everyone, grownup or child.

Visit Toddlers Now for more great tips on raising a little one.

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