5. Try and Communicate
It’s no secret that toddlers have a lot going on and can’t always communicate what they want. Sometimes this results in biting to get their point across! There are a number of ways to help them verbalize what they need, through sign language and pointing at pictures, to name a few. Have a little patience as your little one learns social etiquette and how to communicate, it won’t last forever!
6. Take Care of the “Victim” First
Sometimes you have to show your child, and not just tell them, the repercussions of biting. Instead of dealing with your biter first, make a big deal of helping their victim by getting them a bandaid and asking if they are ok. If your child hasn’t completely scared off the child they’ve bitten, have them help by getting the Band-aid. Your toddler will know soon enough that biting is wrong and so is hurting someone.
7. Talk to Your Doctor
This is a last resort and not applicable to most parents, but there are situations in which you should consult your doctor for biting. Some children can be diagnosed with sensory processing or sensory integration disorders which lead to incessant or frequent biting of themselves or others. Your child may also have adenoid or ear issues which could also lead to biting. If you’ve tried everything in the book and the biting won’t stop, talk to your doctor.