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How can I teach my child that biting is bad behavior?

My son has always bitten objects like the remote control, but now he's biting his playmates! How do I teach him not to bite?

Re: My son has always bitten objects like the remote control, but now he's biting his playmates! How do I teach him not to bite?

The Bump Expert

Watching or hearing that your toddler is biting his playmates is always upsetting. But it’s actually really common for toddlers to go through a biting phase. Since they’re not yet able to communicate their emotions, particularly frustration, they bite. Most parents are pretty understanding since they know next week it could be their child who’s doing the biting.

So how do you handle a biting incident? First, you should always console the other child first. It sends a message that biting isn’t an effective way to get attention. Also keep in mind that toddlers don’t understand how much biting hurts. So, once you’ve tended to the other child, you should pull your child aside to tell him just that in a firm voice: “Biting hurts. Don’t bite. Biting is bad.”

The Bump Editors

How can I teach my child that biting is bad behavior?

I think this problem can be solved with a lot of patience. Of course, this isn't the perfect example of how busy adults can succeed, but it can be tried. After all, the parents learn to be patients along with their toddlers.

TawnyCollyn |