Toddler Biting is Traumatic for all Toddlers Involved
Toddler biting is upsetting to all toddlers involved. The toddlers' parents and caregivers are naturally concerned about this toddler behavior. Most toddlers who bite will stop after being corrected a few times. However, some toddlers continue to bite. Recurrent toddler biting is often related to delays in speech and language skills.
Why Toddlers with Speech Delays Bite
Toddlers with speech and language delays cannot express themselves to other toddlers or adults. Many also have difficulty understanding what other toddlers or adults say to them. This difficulty communicating frustrates speech delayed toddlers and can cause them to bite other toddlers in response.
Speech and language delayed toddlers may use biting to control their interactions with other toddlers and even adults. For the toddler, biting can say, "Stop bothering me. I was playing with that." Watch toddlers for early signs of learning disabilities and speech and language delays that can lead to biting.
Ways to Prevent Toddler Biting and Teach Toddlers Appropriate Behavior:
- Refer toddlers who are behind in speech and language development for evaluation. Speech therapy among toddlers with speech delays can reduce biting behavior.
- Closely supervise toddlers. Adults should circulate among toddlers in daycare rather than watching from a distance.
- Be alert to toddlers' disagreements and intervene.
- Model appropriate toddler-level language for all toddlers in a classroom or in the home. This helps toddlers learn appropriate ways to cope with frustrations. Modeling language can help toddlers develop the necessary communication skills to interact appropriately with other toddlers.
- Be patient with toddlers. Language skill development takes time. Toddlers may need several months to learn this skill.
- Model physical behavioral alternatives to biting for the toddler. Assist toddlers with moving to another play area or choosing a different toy or activity when disputes erupt.
- Keep play areas orderly and stocked with adequate toys and supplies for each toddler.
- Ensure adequate space for toddlers to play without crowding other toddlers.
- All toddlers need schedule structure and routines to understand what is expected of them. Establish predictable routines for toddlers.
- Meeting toddlers physical needs can reduce conflicts that lead to biting. Provide appropriate nutrition and time for physical play for each toddler. Ensure adequate nap time for each toddler as well.
- Maintain a peaceful atmosphere in toddler classrooms. Avoid over-stimulating toddlers with rough play.
When Biting in Toddlers Occurs
Be prepared to address toddler biting it before it happens:
