Biting is a common behaviour found in toddlers. If you are among these parents and have had some embarrassing situations due to this, you need not worry. Just read on to learn how you can stop your toddler from biting other people here.Though upsetting, biting in toddlers is quite a normal and common behaviour. So, if you want your child to get rid of this problem, you should stop considering your child as a ‘biter’. Ignoring this kind of behaviour will serve to spoil your child. Some children do stop after they are corrected for some time, but there are many children who would have to take care of differently.
Well, the first thing that you need to know here is that when a child bites it is not always because of aggression or expression of anger. It is just an immature way to put forward his point without weighing up the pros and cons of the method he is employing. Always keep in mind that your toddler is not aware of how much pain he is causing to the other child.
Experts are of the opinion that parents should consider biting as a way in which their child is trying to seek attention. It is not because of bad behaviour of your child.
Why do Toddlers Bite Others?
They are Frustrated –
Some children bite when they do not know what to do and they are annoyed. For example, they bite to get back their favourite toy or simply bite because they want specific plaything in their hands.
They are Exploring the World –
Toddlers have a tendency to put everything in their mouth. In this way they explore the world around them and learn about different types of things and people as well.
They are Expressing Emotions –
Toddlers express their positive as well as negative emotions by biting. Most children bite their mothers often.
They are Defending themselves –
When any toddler thinks he is being attacked or is feeling threatened in any way, he bites to defend himself. This happens especially when the child does not speak or is unable to express his feelings by speaking out clearly.
They want Attention –
This is one of the most common reasons why toddlers bite others. In fact, toddlers do anything to seek attention especially from their parents.
Tips to Stop your Child from Biting Others
If you find your child biting others, you have to be very cautious and keep an eye on him always. If you can figure out, the best way to help your child stop biting is to stop him immediately before he is going to bite. You can also plan in advance and save your child from getting into any such situation where he is likely to bite others.
If your child is teething, make sure you help him with that and carry a cool teething ring, pacifier or a cool washcloth ready for him when he needs it.
If your child is old enough to understand your instructions, let him know that biting is misbehaviour you are never going to tolerate. You should use firm words to make him understand that you are not going to put up with this kind of activity.
If your child is biting others just to have your attention, tell him that you are not going to look at him if he does that and stick to your words.
However, when you are trying to help your child get rid of the habit of biting, do praise him for his good behaviour when you see that he is up to.
What make toddlers bite others? How to stop toddlers from biting? How to handle the victim when toddler bites? Discuss here.
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Excellent article!My kid used to bit my wife when he was very small. I could see he was trying to show his love towards his mom.Thank God, he stopped this habit.
I never knew that biting habit in toddlers has some reason. My daughter used to bite her friends. I would scold hr for this habit but the more I scolded the more intense this habit became. After reading this write up I realized the reason and the ways to stop biting in toddlers. Thanks for the write cos now I am happy that I can finally stop this biting habit
Really interesting to know the reasons for toddlers biting, but how do I know what may be the reason for my toddler biting. It will be difficult to gauge the reason unless of course it is very specific.
It was good to know why toddlers bite, I used to think that may be my son was aggressive. Understanding why a child bites is key to beating the problem.thanks for a beautiful write up.
It was good to know why toddlers bite, I used to think that may be my son was aggressive. Understanding why a child bites is key to beating the problem.thanks for a beautiful write up.
