Somewhere between one and three years old, toddlers tend to start a biting habit. 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 can be just as bad!
Another reason that toddlers bite is that they feel frustrated because their motor and communication skills are so limited at this time.
A toddler will laugh when mommy suddenly jumps and screams, or if one of his friends starts wailing. 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? Sometimes the problem is something as simple as hunger.
What are the ways in which your child can learn that biting is wrong? You need to communicate clearly that it's inappropriate and hurtful to bite. Help them to understand that other kids feel pain when your little one 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. 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.
As an example, "When you need to tell mommy that you need some help, you can't bite." 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 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 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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