When your toddler starts clamping down on your body parts or the body parts of others, it can be startling, frustrating and embarrassing.

Toddlers bite for a variety of reasons, including teething, inability to communicate and the desire for attention. Biting usually begins around 18-24 months of age and typically stops by age 3, when the child learns to communicate feelings verbally.

Here are 10 tips to consider if your child is a biter:

1. Show your child by your tone and expression that biting is not acceptable.

2. Remove the child from the situation immediately.

3. Do not, under any circumstances, bite your child back.

4. Provide teething rings, teething biscuirts or cold washcloths for children who are teething.

5. Look for consistencies in the biter's environment and emotional state at each episode. Is the child tired or hungry? Has there been a change in his/her routine?

6. If you see your child becoming frustrated, intervene and get him/her involved in something positive.

7. Work with your child on building communication skills.

8. Make sure your child is getting adequate sleep for his/her age and try to maintain a schedule.

9. Give plenty of praise when he/she handles tough situations in a positive way.

10. Be sure you are giving your child plenty of attention.

 

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