BITING

BITING:
Biting usually begins around one year of age when children are well into teething. It often continues because the parents initially think it is cute and the child gets attention with it. At a later age (18 months or so) children use biting when they are frustrated and want something from someone. Children at this age have limited verbal skills and use biting as a primitive form of communication. After age 2-3 years biting becomes an aggressive way of expressing anger and intimidating others.

Dealing with biting:

- Establish a rule that we never bite people.
- Let your child know that when he wants something he should come to you rather than bite the person who has it.
- Give your child a safe, appropriate object to bite like a toy or teething ring.
- When your child does bite, make sure you give them a sharp no in an unfriendly voice. Time-outs work for some children also.
- Never bite your child when he bites someone. This only reinforces that bigger people are allowed to bite.
- Praise your child for not biting especially in a circumstance where he previously had trouble.

The information provided on this website is not a substitute for professional care.
You should consult your own physician or other health care provider for specific advice and treatment,
which advice and treatment will be based upon your individual facts and circumstances.