Biting Behavior: Why and What to Do!

While it can be alarming to think your child is hurting something or someone, biting is quite common childhood behavior. Children bite for many reasons. However, it's not done with mean-spirited intent, nor does it mean it's time to call in the local psychologist. Biting is seen more often in boys than girls and happens most often between the ages of one and two. Toddlers may begin biting at significant stages of development, such as learning to walk or talk. As with any behavior, it's helpful to understand why the behavior may occur and how to respond appropriately. Here is some helpful information for your review.

Teething

• When children's teeth start coming in, it can be an uncomfortable and painful process for them. They may try to alleviate gum pain by chewing on any objects they find. A variety of teething toys are recommended for your little one. Avoid teethers that are frozen, plastic, or filled with liquid, and opt for those that are rubber or plastic, or use a clean, cold washcloth. Teething is a necessary and natural part of your growing baby's life, and biting is just a natural reaction.

Sensory Exploration

• Babies love to explore the things around them through touch, smell, and, yes, even taste. To help satisfy some of their sensory needs, give your little one foods with various textures they can explore. This could include bread, cheese cubes, vegetable, and fruit chunks (cooked for children 9-15 months), diced meat, raisins, and rice cakes. Playtime can also include sensory exploration activities such as sensory tables, finger paints, play dough, water play, and arts and crafts. Supervising your little one during these times is essential to minimize choking risk.

Cause & Effect Experimentation

• Children are naturally curious and like to see the effects of doing or playing with something. Some great cause-and-effect toys can include books or objects that make something happen when pushing buttons or opening flaps. Biting can be a harmful cause-and-effect exploration, as it may hurt your little one or someone around them. A good practice for parents is to ensure their child does not benefit from biting. You can explain it in ways they understand by saying, "Look at Susie; when you bite her, she is sad. If you bite someone to get a toy, you can't keep it." This will teach them that biting will not get them what they want.

Imitating

• Children often imitate what they see, so if your little one is biting, they might be getting it from another child they have seen. It is important for parents to reinforce positive behaviors such as sharing, respect, empathy, and appropriately expressing anger and frustration.

Need for Attention

• Giving children attention for positive behaviors is essential; it shows them what is acceptable and can help reduce biting incidents. Around times when biting typically occurs, give your little one more attention to the things they've been doing well. This can include playing nicely, being curious, and helping. It is also helpful to include your child in daily activities. If the biting happens before meals, parents can have children help set up the meal by setting out cups or napkins. Allowing them to have a choice and giving them positive attention for a good job can reduce biting incidents.

Frustration

• Children can get frustrated just like adults do! So, teaching them proper ways to handle their feelings is essential. Teaching toddlers to express themselves in words rather than biting will allow them to have better communication skills in the future. If another child tries to take something from them, teach your toddler words like "No" or "Stop it." Helping your child use their words without biting can teach them better ways the next time they feel frustrated.

Anxiety

• There can be several reasons why children may be anxious, and parents must communicate and understand their child's feelings. Allowing your little one to have comforting items from home, such as a blanket, a stuffed animal, or a book, can help them remain calm during the day. Having a space where children can get away and have some private time is essential and can help reduce anxiety.

It is important that teachers, daycare staff, and parents alike understand why biting occurs and know how to respond wisely. With twenty years of childcare experience under our belts, we understand children and their unique behaviors. It is an honor to be a childcare resource and to offer helpful support for our families.