Preschoolers Biting

Preschoolers Biting

• Biting is sometimes a problem for toddlers and preschoolers and can be very worrying.
• Around this age children are learning how to manage their growing independence and sometimes their ability to cope is stretched. Biting can be a sign of stress, frustration, jealousy, a means of getting attention and a way of saying 'Help! This is all too much for me!
• While the reasons are understandable the response to biting must be an immediate and firm - 'No! People don't bite people.'
• What can you do to prevent biting?
  • Watch children for signs of stress.
  • Be aware that major changes such as moving house and parent separation can provoke stress related behaviours in children.
  • Make sure there are calm times in your daily routine.
  • Teach children how to be with and talk to others.
  • Support them when they play with other children.
  • Describe in simple words what is happening between your child and others.
• What can you do if a child bites someone?
  • Say 'No biting .....' firmly and remove the child from the victim.
  • With the biter watching, give your attention to the victim, talk about the pain, fright and anger the child might be feeling.
  • Show how to offer comfort to the victim.
  • When the victim is more fully recovered, bring the child back.
  • Say things like - 'You were angry. You bit Sam/Mary. You hurt Sam/Mary. Biting is not okay. Look how sad Sam/Mary is. What can you do to make Sam/Mary feel better?'
  • Allow the child to make amends if the victim will accept that.
  • Talk to the victim's parents to reassure them.
  • Later, talk about the incident again with the child. Encourage them to think of other, positive things they could have done.
  • Reinforce that people don't bite people.

Parenting tips & parenting articles copyright & courtesy
Department for Community Devlp, Australia.

Whining And Whingeing In Preschooler :: Stopping Whining And Whingeing In Preschooler
Preschoolers Hitting :: Preschoolers Biting :: Preschoolers Fears :: Home

Go To Main Parenting Index Page