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Toddlers Who Bite - How to Stop Toddlers From Biting

Biting in Toddlers - Why Some Toddlers Bite and Ways to Stop It

By Ann Logsdon, About.com

Toddlers Playing Together

Toddlers Playing under Supervision

Toddler Photo by Getty Images

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:

  • 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 toddler biting in the future.
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