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 of them shove, hit, pinch or grab. This might 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 likely finds it amusing when mommy jumps straight up, or a little friend starts 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 means can you use to help your child learn not to bite? You must make it perfectly clear that biting is wrong and hurtful. 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.
For instance, "You have to let daddy know that you need something, but not by biting." Or “Show mommy what you need, but don’t bite. 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.
Parents should not let biting become the center of attention. 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.
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