What to Do About Biting

Many young children go through a biting phase that is troubling to parents. Time usually solves the problem, although there are things parents can do to help prevent and solve this problem.

Why does my child bite?

Biting happens for many reasons with different children in a variety of circumstances. Here are a few reasons why children bite: 

• Exploration: Children learn by touching, smelling, hearing, and tasting. Biting is another way to explore the world.

• Cause and effect: Children at this age are exploring what happens when they do something; that curiosity includes biting. They may not realize that biting can hurt others.

• Attention: Children may bite to get attention. Biting is quick way to become the center of attention, even if it is negative attention.

• Imitation: Children may see other children biting and decide to try it themselves.

• Independence: Children at this age are trying hard to be independent. Biting can be a quick way to get a toy you want, or example, or to make another child leave.

• Frustration: Growing up can be stressful, especially for young children who don’t have control of their bodies yet and have not yet learned to find the words to express their feelings. At times, children may resort to hitting, pushing, or biting when they don’t have the ability to talk about their frustration.

• Stress: A child’s world can be stressful. Biting can be a way to express feelings and relieve tension that results from stressful events such as a divorce, death of a pet, or starting a new preschool.

• Self-defense: Some children bite because other children have bitten or shown aggression toward them.

Is biting common in children?

Many children between the ages of 14 months and 3 years go through a biting phase that usually disappears when they can express their needs and feelings through words. Parents who stay calm, respond appropriately, and encourage children to express themselves with words instead of biting can help guide children through this phase.

What can I do to stop my child from biting?

Determining when and why children bite can also help solve the problem. For instance, does the biting usually occur when a child is tired or hungry? Does the child always bite the same person? Does the biting usually occur at daycare when children want the same toy?

If biting occurs when two young children want the same toy, buying a second toy may help until children are old enough to learn to share. Children who are biting one another can be redirected to separate activities until this phase passes.

If biting occurs with a major change in a child’s life, such as starting a new preschool, he or she may need extra love and attention during this time.

Watch for signs of rising frustration in your child and take action to prevent conflicts such as biting from happening. Young children can be distracted and redirected to other activities to prevent biting incidents.

Will biting behavior just go away if I ignore it?

Children will move through this phase as they develop more effective social skills, but parents can help by responding appropriately and teaching their children better ways to express their feelings using words. Close supervision during this time period in order to be able to act quickly to resolve problems will also help children work through the biting phase.