My Child Bites

The parent of a “biter” is often criticized – “make that child stop!” – and this behavior can be difficult to stop, once it gets started.

1. Young children may not even understand that they are hurting someone by biting. Be firm: “No! We don’t bite!” Don’t give a lot of attention when the child is misbehaving.
2. Prevent the situations where biting occurs – is it with other children who are fighting for toys? Separate the children or distract them with other things to do.
3. Some children respond to having one thing that they are allowed to bite.
4. Teach children to express feelings through words, or even through drawing.
5. Never bite a child back. It causes disrespect between parent and child and doesn’t really teach the desired behavior. Firmness and patience, with lots of prevention, do a better job.