Biting in the Early Years
Biting is very common among age groups of young children, for all types of reasons. Whatever the reason for biting, most parents find it disturbing and just want it to stop- quickly! Understanding why the young child bites is the first step in preventing biting, as well as teaching alternatives to biting.
Here are the most common reasons and solutions for biting:
The Experimental Biter: It is not uncommon for an infant or Toddler to explore their world, including people, by biting. Infants and toddlers place many items in their mouth to learn more about them. Teach the child that some things can be bitten, like toys and food, and some things can not be bitten, like people and animals. This child may also be interested in cause and effect. They may be wondering, "I wonder what will happen if I bite my friend or my mommy..." Provide this child with many other opportunities to learn about cause and effect, with toys and activities.
The Teething Biter: Infants and toddlers experience a lot of discomfort while they are teething. A natural response is to apply pressure to their gums by biting on things. Provide appropriate items for the child to teeth on, like frozen bagels, teething biscuits, or teething rings.
The Social Biter: Many times an infant or toddler bites when they are trying to interact with another child. These young children have not yet developed the social skills to indicate their needs, likes, and dislikes. Watch young children very closely to assist and model positive interactions with friends.
The Frustrated Biter: Young children are often confronted with situations that are frustrating, like when a friend takes a toy or daddy is not responding to their needs as quickly as they would like. These toddlers lack the social and emotional skills to cope with their feelings in an acceptable way. They also lack the language skills to communicate their feelings. Notice when a child is struggling with frustration and be ready to intervene. It is also important to encourage children to use their words and help them learn how to express themselves.
The Threatened Biter: When some young children feel a sense of danger they sometimes respond in biting as a way of self defense. For some children, biting is a way to gain control over their lives, especially when they are feeling overwhelmed by their environment or events in their lives. Provide them with nurturing support to help them understand that the child and their possessions are safe.
The Imitative Biter: Imitation is one of the many ways that young children learn. So it is not unusual for a child to observe their friend bite and then try it out for themselves. Offer the child many examples of kind and loving behavior.
The Attention- Seeking Biter: Children naturally love attention, especially from adults. When parents give lots of attention for negative behavior, such as biting, children learn that biting is a good way to get attention. Provide lots of positive attention each day for children each day. It is also important to minimize the negative attention to behaviors such as biting.
The Power Biter: Infants and Toddlers have a strong need for independence and control. Very often the response children get from biting helps to satisfy this need. Provide many opportunities for the toddler to make simple choices throughout the day. This will help the toddler feel the sense of control they need. It is important to reinforce all the toddlers attempts at positive social behavior each day.
Young children need lots of practice to learn the fine art of interacting with their friends in a positive way. They need positive guidance and support from parents. When children gain maturity and experience, and become preschoolers (3+ years old), they will likely have developed a more appropriate way of interacting.
This information was provided by the National Association for the Education of Young Children. For more resources, visit: http://www.families.naeyc.org
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