Having a child who bites other children or adults can be frustrating and embarrassing. Aggressive biting usually starts between the ages of one and three and is the most common reason children are expelled from daycare, according to the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry. Understanding why your child bites can help you devise strategies to prevent biting.
Identification
Young children are unable to control aggressive behaviors, resulting in hitting, pushing, hair pulling and biting when they are provoked, frustrated or stressed. Biting provokes an immediate response in the victim and in nearby adults who rush to the victim's aid. The Iowa State Extension Service reports children who feel ignored may realize biting is a quick way to become the center of attention.
Reasons for Biting
Infants and toddlers bite to relieve teething pain and use their mouths as a way to help identify objects. Biting also occurs when children feel stressed, frustrated or are subjected to harsh discipline. The Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center reports children who haven't yet learned to play cooperatively with other children may respond to demands by hitting or biting the other child. Biting may also occur as a bid to gain power, particularly if your child is the youngest in your family or constantly surrounded by older children in social situations.
Preventing Biting Incidents
Identifying the situations in which your child is most likely to bite is the first step in preventing biting. When you know what triggers the behavior, you can find a way to redirect your child and prevent biting. The Iowa State University Extension Service suggests purchasing another toy if biting usually occurs when children fight over a favorite toy. If biting occurs when your child is tired, removing your child from the situation and ensuring that he is receiving adequate sleep can help reduce biting incidents.
Learning New Responses
Teaching your child to control aggressive feelings takes time, but with practice, she may be able to find other ways to express her feelings. The Iowa State University Extension Service suggests teaching children to use words to ask another child to move out of the way rather than using biting as a way to communicate. Providing other options when the children can't resist biting, such as a teething ring or soft toy, may also help you redirect your child's behavior.
Warning
Frequent, persistent biting can be a sign of behavioral or emotional problems, according to the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry. If your child continues to bite other children in preschool or daycare, despite your efforts to stop the behavior, you may wish to request a consultation with a mental health professional.
