How to Stop My Child From Biting
- 1). State in a firm voice, "Biting hurts. No bites." Be persistent with your child because she may not understand the concept of "hurt."
- 2). Watch other children interact with your child. Check if your child isn't biting in self defense. She may bite because her hair is being pulled, she is being cornered or she has been pushed.
- 3). Arrange a meeting with your child's caregivers (daycare workers, parents from playgroup or babysitter). If your toddler has a habit of biting, decide the actions that you will take when he bites.
- 4). Decide on the consequence for biting. Give the child a timeout or remove the toy that she is playing with. Each time she bites, the caregivers must give your child the same consequence. Your child will quickly learn that biting will will not be tolerated.
- 5). Lavish attention on the victim in front of your child. Say, "Sorry, you must hurt. Are you okay?" Your child will learn sympathy when you model this behavior.
- 6). Teach your child to make amends when he has done something wrong. Tell your child to say sorry. Allow him to offer the victim a Band-Aid or Kleenex. Draw a picture for the victim as a way to say sorry.
- 7). Observe your child for signs that she is about to bite. Remove your child from the situation when she becomes frustrated, tired or angry--right before she is about to bite.
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