If you have experienced toddlers biting then I am sure you have heard the advice, 'Just bite them back!' I heard that so many times it made me sick! Seriously, I do not want to bite my child. I do not want to teach him that biting harder or by a bigger person is the solution. There has to be a better way, right?
Toddler Biting - It may be more than it appears. With toddlers it is hard to know exactly why they do what they do. But as a parent, that is your job - to figure it out! So put on your detective hat and get to work. Here are a few reasons that your child may be biting others:
* They wanted to play with a toy or object someone else was playing with.
* They were injured by another child.
* They were seeking the attention of a loved one.
Now - this is by no means an exhaustive list of reasons - it is to get you thinking. Understanding the motivation will help you know what areas you need to teach your child.
Stay Focused On the Cause
The motivation is key. For example, if your child is biting someone for a toy, is it because they do not have the words to ask for the toy properly? If that is the case, you should consider talking to an expert locally that can help you see if their is a language delay. With early intervention you and your child can be much better off.
Parenting = Teaching NOT Talking
Don't just stand there and talk till you are blue in the face. Give your toddler some specifics and get them to practice your new methods. Practice makes progress!
Be Supportive Of Positive Behaviors
Be aware of what your child does well. Make sure that you can see the signs of a biting about to happen. When you see it happening, intervene. Get them to do something else or remove them from the situation. Stopping a biting is much easier if you can catch it prior to the initial speedy lunge!
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