Dealing with toddler biting can cause anxiety and concern. In fact, it can be quite difficult to deal with the parents of the child that your toddler bit. Be assured, however, that this is a common behavior of toddlers and they usually grow out of it.

Like with most behaviors during this time, toddlers act out because they haven’t developed their verbal skills to communicate and express frustration. Although, common, you can’t ignore it and wish it to go away. It needs to be addressed firmly.

Communication

It is important to teach your toddler basic words such as:

• No
• Please
• Thank you
• Sad
• Mad
• Ouch
• Good
• Bad

These simple words can assist in communication, and also assist your toddler in being safe and well mannered.

Separate

It is important to be aware of situations that may cause trouble for your toddler which makes them act out by biting.

Consequence

If you were unable to remove them from the situation, and they bit another child, firmly respond by saying something like, “no, that’s biting. It hurts. Ouch!” Then you can put your child on a short time out. Be firm and consistent in the consequence. Your toddler needs to understand that you aren’t going to back down.

Give Attention to the Victim

In order to make your toddler understand that what they are doing hurts others, focus your attention on the child or person that your toddler bit. Make sure your toddler is seeing your concern, and say things like:

• I’m sorry
• Does it hurt?
• Can I help you?

This can assist in teaching your toddler to be sympathetic.

Stay Calm

This is hard because we see our toddlers as vivacious and darling beings. When they bite it can be a shock. Take a few breaths before you address the issue, and remember that spanking or biting the child back is counteractive.

Keep Your Toddler Busy

Activities that keep your toddler occupied by using their senses, is a great way to prevent them from biting. The objective is to minimize their frustrations which will lessen the risk of biting.

If your toddler’s biting persists, consult your pediatrician. Also, be easy on yourself and remember that it is a learning process for you too.