Growing up can be tough, especially when a child is unable to express her feelings. Toddlers, especially, struggle with controlling their emotions. One result of the stress is biting. This behavior is not unusual for children between the ages of 14 to 24 months, explain researchers at Penn State University. Certain toys can help control the problem. If your child's biting habit is becoming dangerous to herself or other children, contact your pediatrician.
Teething Toys
Instead of biting another child, give your toddler a chewable toy to play with and bite when he feels the need. The website Kids Growth suggests giving your child a teething ring or firm toy to bite into when he is stressed or frustrated. Allow him to carry it with him so he has it if the need to bite suddenly arises. Blankets work well too. A child can safely bite into a "bite cloth" to help relieve his frustration.
Sensory Toys
As toddlers begin to navigate the world they are also experimenting with their senses. Sensory play activities like clay, sand and water help toddlers explore and experiment. An additional benefit of these types of toys is that they are calming. Researchers at Penn State claim that calming activities, such as sand and water, help reduce frustration eliminating stress that leads to biting.
Books About Behavior
Books are a great way to teach children about appropriate behavior, suggests the website Zero to Three. Visit your local bookstore or library and ask for books that you can read to your child to teach her how to handle her emotions. Many children's books show kids alternative behaviors to biting, like banging on pots and pans or jumping up and down. Even if you aren't reading the book to your child, you may find her looking at the colorful pictures, understanding the messages on her own.
Play Spaces
Over stimulation or large crowds of kids can cause stress for some toddlers. They may act out by biting other kids or even themselves. Creating private play spaces for your child can help reduce that stress. Build a playhouse out of a cardboard box. Your child can play there by himself when he feels overwhelmed. Stock the play house with cushions and soft toys, such as stuffed animals or soft balls. Make sure the playhouse is built in such a way that you can always supervise your child from the outside.
In playrooms, organize toys into areas. Create a block area, an art area and a reading area. Organization also helps stymie tension for a toddler.
