Biting is a common behavior in young children, especially between the ages of 1 and 3. While it can be distressing for parents and educators, it’s important to recognize that biting is a natural developmental phase. Understanding why children bite and how to address it can help create a positive environment for everyone involved.

Why Do Young Children Bite?

Communication Struggles: Children often bite when they can’t express their emotions or needs verbally. Biting is a way of releasing frustration or anger when words aren’t enough (American Academy of Pediatrics, 2020).

• Exploration: Young children use their mouths to explore their environment, which may include biting other children.
• Teething: Toddlers may bite to relieve discomfort from teething.
• Attention-Seeking: Some children bite because it gets a reaction from adults.
• Power and Control: As children test boundaries, biting can be a way to assert control in peer conflicts.

The Impact of Biting

If not addressed, biting can cause physical harm, create anxiety, and strain social relationships. Children who bite may struggle with peer interactions, and repeated biting can hinder their emotional development (Markham, 2021).

How to Address Biting

• Stay Calm: React calmly and firmly, stating, “Biting hurts. Use your words to ask for what you want.”
• Redirect Behavior: Teach children alternative ways to express themselves, such as using words or asking for help.
• Teach Empathy: Help children understand the impact of their actions by asking, “How do you think your friend feels when you bite them?”
• Positive Reinforcement: Praise children when they use words or other appropriate behaviors.
• Create a Routine: A predictable schedule can reduce frustration and impulsive behavior.
• Monitor Triggers: Identify patterns or situations that might provoke biting and intervene early.

When to Seek Professional Help

While biting is a normal phase, persistent or aggressive biting may indicate deeper issues, such as emotional regulation difficulties or developmental delays. Consulting professionals can help identify underlying causes, assess emotional development, and provide tailored strategies for addressing them.

Conclusion

Biting is a typical behavior for many young children, but it’s important to address it with calm, empathy, and consistent strategies. By fostering emotional intelligence and social skills, we can guide children through this phase and help them express themselves in healthier ways.

References:

American Academy of Pediatrics. (2020). “Biting in Young Children.” HealthyChildren.org.

Markham, L. (2021). “Why Children Bite and How to Stop It.” Aha! Parenting.