5 Things You Need to Know About Biting

1. Note Biting Behavior

You often see infants putting everything in their mouths; they do this to explore their environment and learn about objects. As their teeth come in, they bite to soothe tender and sore gums. Toddlers and young children, on the other hand, could be biting to relieve teeth eruptions. However, more often than not, they bite as a way to express anger or frustration. You as a parent need to know what situations lead to your child's biting.

2. Prevent Problems Before They Start

Prevention is always the best way to stop kids who bite. Limit your child's frustration by setting clear play rules and limits before he begins playing. Compliment your child when you see him playing well and getting along with others. Be close by when the children are playing, so that you can intervene before a serious bite occurs. Model behaviors you want see in your child. If they see you yelling, throwing things or acting aggressive, they are more likely to mirror the same behaviors.

3. Respond Appropriately to Biting

Identify biting patterns in your child. Notice when, where and who they are around, the time of day and other situational events. Avoid or change these factors to limit or stop the biting. Time outs are a good consequence for biting. Clearly state, "No biting. That hurts. Now go to time out." Limit time out to one minute per age of your child. Comfort the bitten child and don't focus attention on the biter. If she bites for attention, this will only encourage the behavior. Ask for professional help for persistent biters. If a bite breaks the skin, wash it with soap and water and cover it with a bandage. Let a doctor look at the bite as soon as possible.

4. Don't Bite Back

Don't bite the child back, no matter what advice you may have heard. Biting reinforces the behavior, and children are unlikely to connect the pain from your bite and the hurt they inflicted by biting.

5. Remember That This Will End

Consistently and firmly deal with the biting behavior to end it more quickly; follow the recommendations and give your child time to develop language skills. The biting will decrease and eventually stop. You would be angry and frustrated if you wanted to ask for a drink or some object but couldn't. Your child's attempts to express his desires will develop as they get closer to three. The biting should then abate.