How to Teach Children Not to Bite

Perhaps the sad, pitiful wails of your child̵7;s last biting victim remain etched upon your brain. If so, it̵7;s little wonder that you want to teach your child not to bite. Parents want the behavior to stop, and they gain little solace in knowing that biting is a common component of early childhood development, notes KidsHealth. Children bite for a variety of reasons, and parents can respond with a variety of interventions to effectively curtail biting behavior.

Instructions

    • 1

      Consider your child̵7;s age when attempting to identify the motivation for his biting behavior, recommends the National Association for the Education of Young Children. Infants explore their environment by placing novel items in their mouth and may bite as they ̶0;test̶1; your finger or shoulder. Limited self-control, frustration and inadequate language skills contribute to toddler biting. For preschool age children, a stressor in the environment, the need for attention or self-defense can be the cause of biting.

    • 2

      Address biting behavior proactively, suggests the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry. Monitor your child closely when she interacts with other children, and look for cues that communicate frustration. Intervene when your child appears confused, angry or upset.

    • 3

      Teach your child how to express his needs by using words instead of biting. A young child may require help distinguishing between verbal expression and physical aggression, notes the American Academy of Pediatrics. Practice pretend scenarios together, and praise your child for verbalizing his frustration.

    • 4

      Respond to a biting incident by quickly separating the children, making eye contact with the child who exhibited the biting and stating that biting hurts and is not allowed. Permit the child to choose whether she wants to assist you in comforting the bitten child, and discuss how she can respond differently under similar circumstances.

    • 5

      Learn to predict the triggers that lead to biting by observing your child. Note where your child was, what he was doing and with whom he was playing immediately prior to a biting incident.

    • 6

      Share stories with your child about biting, recommends the website Zero to Three. Encourage your child to talk about the characters̵7; feelings, and ask her to retell the story in her own words. Help your child to problem-solve and ask her to name an alternative action for a character in order to create a different ending.

    • 7

      Remember that when young children experience strong emotions, they may feel overwhelmed and find self-control difficult or impossible. Your child may bite to express intense emotions such as fear, anger or jealousy. Model appropriate ways for your child to communicate strong emotions without using aggression, and permit him to practice these skills. Praise him when he expresses emotions without biting.

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