Somewhere between one and three years old, toddlers tend to start a biting habit. The most frequent cause of this behavior is that there are only so many ways a toddler can communicate with those around him. But not all children have the biting habit. Some grab, shove, pinch or punch. That's probably 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 reason for biting is that the toddler is teething or because they just think everything should go in their mouth so why not someone’s arm? The problem could even be as simple as being hungry.
What means can you use to help your child learn not to bite? 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. Make sure you tell your toddler that biting is unacceptable and wrong and that mommy and daddy do not appreciate it.
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. Although it seems a gargantuan effort for your toddler to communicate with words, this is a great time to start teaching them the right words for a situation.
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 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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