Toddler Biting (OUCH!)

You get to the daycare and see on your report for the day that your little girl was biting. Oh no! You try to stop your toddler from misbehaving and he responds by biting your leg. Good grief! What's a parent to do?
First of all, try to remain calm. Most toddlers will do this at some point. So you know that it isn't something you've done. Toddlers are still teetering between being babies and being big kids. When they are frustrated or sad, it's still hard for them to express it with their words. So what do they do? Something they know will get attention. Hitting, biting, and throwing things. Sometimes, biting can be a sign of curiosity or affection. My daughter was lying on my lap and started nibbling on my leg. I thought it was cute until she dug her teeth in! Biting is a phase and it will pass. If your toddler is biting obsessively, however, you may want to speak with her pediatrician.
I knew a lady who said that when her son bit her, she bit him back so he could see how it felt. I honestly thought that was the most ridiculous thing I'd ever heard. How can you possibly teach your child not to bite when you're biting? Try to avoid this. This is the same with hitting your child to teach them not to hit. It just confuses your baby.
Also, don't laugh or say it's cute when your toddler is nibbling or giving little bites. I learned the hard way how that can turn painful. Plus this type of encouragement leads to more biting and not just with you. Another thing to avoid is playful chomping on their fingers and toes. I was doing this with my daughter's puppet until she mimicked me but used her mouth and real bites instead. Ouch!
If your toddler is biting, try offering a healthy snack. Give her some carrot sticks to sink her teeth into. Toddlers will bite sometimes when they getting hungry. If this is your child, load up the celery sticks before heading out.
Try to remember, this will pass. If these simple tactics don't work, try using a diversion or removing a privilege (no Elmo today because you bit).
Need more helpful tips? Discover the time-tested parenting techniques already proven by tens of thousands of happy families. Visit: http://www.ourtoddlers.com/
Kim Smithhttp://www.ourtoddlers.com/Tips and information about Our Toddlers
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