Biting

Biting is a normal behavior for children who are in the age range of twelve months through thirty-six months of age. The incidence of biting is increased when children this age are interacting in groups. When biting occurs, it is traumatic for the child on the receiving end, as well as the child who bit. Child care providers along with the families also feel the stress and anxiety when involved in the situation. It is important for all parties to take a step back and work together to develop a plan to decrease and eliminate the incidences when biting occurs. The following are some facts outlining why children bite. This is a phase some children experience and it will disappear as the child continues their development.

Adults, caregivers and teachers can work to decrease the number of bites in their classroom or environment by providing close supervision, observing interactions with the children, setting clear and consistent rules or limitations and praising all positive exchanges between children in their care. Once a volatile situation begins between two children, the adult can redirect one of the children to another area or toy and label the feelings for each child. Taking time to provide the children with the language to express their needs, desires and feelings, as well as provide them with numerous activities throughout the day to decrease the amount of free time. Children cannot gauge their biting. When they bite, it hurts.

If a bite does occur, give the child who has been bitten more attention through comfort and apply necessary first aid. Tell the aggressor "No biting people, biting hurts" in a firm voice. Offer alternatives for the child by saying "When you are angry….".

• Toddlers do not know that biting hurts people. We need to label that fact for the child who bites, when it occurs.
• Biting stems from a natural curiosity and lack of language. As language develops, the number of incidents will decrease.
• If the first bite gets the child what he wants (a toy or attention), he is more likely to continue.
• Biting runs in cycles in group settings.
• Biting occurs more frequently when children have to share toys and space. Room arrangements which accommodate small groups of children, close supervision, constant interactions with adults and multiple choices of similar toys will help to decrease incidents of biting.

The environment in which children learn and play can trigger biting. The following are some examples of these triggers:

• Over-stimulation: Toddlers are easily excited and lose control.
• Need for autonomy: This is an age when children are struggling for their independence.
• Developing language skills: Children are beginning to use language to express their needs rather than their bodies.
• Anxiety: Biting can often be a relief for tension. Provide children with other ways to express their tension.
• Attention: Children will continue to bite others when they receive attention for that act. Emphasis should be placed on the hurt child through comfort.
• Cause and Effect: Children at this age are experimenting and investigating this feature.

Biting is a very emotional situation to work through with children. The important thing to remember is that it is only a stage of development. As children experience their world around them they develop the necessary skills to interact appropriately with others. Contact your child's health care provider or visit www.naeyc.org for a list of additional resources about biting.