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Health Information For Parents
Toddlers do the most adorable things: Give unexpected hugs, squeal with laughter, and cuddle up to you when they’re tired.
But as any parent of a toddler will tell you, they also do some not-so-adorable things, like kick, scream … or bite.
Biting is quite common in kids this age, but that’s little consolation if your toddler bites. After all, no one wants their child to be considered the menace of the play group. And worse yet, kids who are labeled “biters” may get kicked out of childcare centers — a challenge that no working parent wants to face.
You may think biting is just another phase you’ll have to live through, but that’s not necessarily the case. There are ways to get to the bottom of your toddler’s biting habit. Here’s how to help curb this type of behavior.
Biting is very common in early childhood. Babies and toddlers bite for a variety of reasons, such as teething or exploring a new toy or object with their mouth. As they begin to understand cause-and-effect, they also might bite a person to see if they can get a reaction.
Biting also can be a way for toddlers to get attention or express how they’re feeling. Frustration, anger, and fear are strong emotions and toddlers lack the language skills to communicate how they are feeling. So if they can’t find the words they need quickly enough or can’t say how they’re feeling, they may bite as a way of saying, “Pay attention to me!” or “I don’t like that!”
Biting is slightly more common in boys and tends to happen most often between the first and second birthday. As language improves, biting tends to lessen.
With biting, it’s important to deal with the behavior immediately after it happens. The next time your child bites, try these steps:
Discipline usually is not necessary, as most kids don’t realize biting hurts. Never hit or bite a child who has bitten, as this teaches the child that this behavior is OK.
If you’ve tried the steps above and the behavior doesn’t stop, timeouts may be effective. Older toddlers may be taken to a designated timeout area — a kitchen chair or bottom stair — for a minute or two to calm down.
As a general rule, about 1 minute per year of age is a good guide for timeouts. Longer timeouts have no added benefit. They also can undermine your efforts if your child gets up (and refuses to return) before you signal that the timeout has ended.
Whether you feel like you’ve made progress with your child’s biting habit or it continues to be a work-in-progress, it’s important to create a zero-tolerance culture at home, daycare, and elsewhere.
Here are some ways to get your little one back on the right track:
Biting is common in babies and toddlers, but it should stop when kids are about 3 or 4 years old. If it goes beyond this age, is excessive, seems to be getting worse rather than better, and happens with other upsetting behaviors, talk to your child’s doctor. Together you can find its causes and ways to deal with it.
Reeling in your active little one can be tough. But setting limits now helps prevent bigger problems down the road.
Controlling outbursts can be difficult for kids – and helping them learn to do so is a tough job for the parents who love them. But just about every child can improve with the right coaching.
Temper tantrums range from whining and crying to screaming, kicking, hitting, and breath holding. Get the facts on managing – and preventing – temper tantrums.
It’s important to be consistent about discipline. If you don’t stick to the rules and consequences, kids aren’t likely to either. Find out how to vary your approach to fit your family.
Find out what the experts have to say.
Animal bites and scratches, even minor ones, can become infected and spread bacteria to other parts of the body, regardless of whether the animal is a family pet or a wild animal.
Tantrums and outbursts can rile even the most patient parents. Helping kids learn self-control teaches them how to respond to situations without just acting on impulse.