Why Toddlers with Speech Delays Bite
Toddlers with speech and language delays cannot express themselves to other toddlers or adults. Many toddlers 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 toddlers with speech problems, biting can say, "Stop bothering me. I was playing with that."
Ways to Prevent Toddlers from Biting and Teach Replacement Behaviors to Toddlers:
- Refer toddlers who are behind in speech and language development for evaluation. Speech therapy can help toddlers with speech delays can reduce biting and other problem behaviors in toddlers.
- Closely supervise toddlers. Adults should circulate among toddlers in daycare rather than watching from a distance.
- Be alert to toddlers' disagreements and intervene before biting occurs.
- Model appropriate 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 communication skills to play appropriately with other toddlers.
- Be patient with toddlers. Language skill development takes time. Toddlers may need several months to learn new speech skills.
- Move frustrated toddlers to another play area or help toddlers choose a different toy or activity when disputes erupt.
- Keep play areas orderly and stocked with adequate toys and supplies for all of the toddlers.
- 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.
- Keep toddlers' energy and nutritional needs met. Provide appropriate nutrition, play time, and nap time for all toddlers.
- Maintain a peaceful atmosphere in classrooms with toddlers. Avoid over-stimulating toddlers with rough play.
When Biting in Toddlers Occurs
Be prepared to address biting by toddlers before it happens:
- In daycare, staff should be trained to watch for biting among toddlers. They should also have training infirst aid for biting.
- Contact the parents if the bite requires medical attention. Parents should always be informed if their toddler has bitten or was bitten by another toddler.
- Allow the biting toddler to see that the toddler he injured is being helped. Move the toddlers away from others until they have been calmed.
- Never allow anyone to bite the toddler back to "teach him that it hurts."
- Be prepared to explain to parents of the toddlers how you addressed the biting. Reassure them with steps you will take to prevent toddlers from biting in the future.
