Another one for the behavior series…
What about biting?
Biting is a common problem among young children. It’s usually that 2nd child trying to gain the upper hand over their older sibling. Emotions rise to a point that he can’t figure any other way to handle the situation other than taking a chunk out of big brother or sister.
Andrew (now 26) was a biter. I don’t remember it happening very many times, but it did happen. I do remember smacking him on the mouth with my fingers a few times, looking sternly into his face and saying, “No!” I wasn’t even sure how to handle the situation.
So? What are your ideas about biting? Found anything that “works”?
What about biting?
Biting is a common problem among young children. It’s usually that 2nd child trying to gain the upper hand over their older sibling. Emotions rise to a point that he can’t figure any other way to handle the situation other than taking a chunk out of big brother or sister.
Andrew (now 26) was a biter. I don’t remember it happening very many times, but it did happen. I do remember smacking him on the mouth with my fingers a few times, looking sternly into his face and saying, “No!” I wasn’t even sure how to handle the situation.
So? What are your ideas about biting? Found anything that “works”?
John Henry, who is now 5, was a biter at age 1 1/2 to 2. We tried EVERYTHING! We tried hot sauce (and felt horrible), we bit back (because that's what my dad did to me!), we removed him from the situation, the list could go on. At the time, he was in a daycare. Finally, the director of the daycare had an idea. Why not put him in a class with 4 and 5 year olds? For some reason - I guess the intimidation factor - he quit. But, I have NO advice on prevention or stopping it all together. I just know that eventually, they will stop!
ReplyDeleteBiters are bullies. Bite'm back, I say.
ReplyDeleteNone of the biters I've seen (My daughter wasn't a biter, but I've seen a LOT of biters over the 15+ years I've worked with kids) haven't been old enough for me to consider them a bully. I have considered a lot of other ideas, though...one was 2 1/2 and couldn't speak, so I thought it might be out of frustration...a lot of them only bit during teething times--even though they would only bite when mad, it was only during the days/weeks they were getting new teeth...
ReplyDeleteAs a daycare provider, we cannot (and should not, I believe) use physical punishment, so I've attended a TON of trainings to learn from people who have stepped out of their box and gotten really creative. One of those trainings has made THE DIFFERENCE in preventing bites in daycares!!!!
I can't think of her name off the top of my head, but she works for Sooner Start with the State Dept. of Health. She holds free trainings for daycare providers AND parents, so I would encourage anyone interested to find the next training.
Because the information is so long, I will post about it (give me something to post about, anyway.) Check back later today to find out what all I learned from her. IT TOTALLY WORKS...EVERYTIME!
Bite 'em back?
ReplyDeleteAnd please spell my name correctly on the Mother of the Year award. That gets really annoying.
I'm with Cindy. It worked with Ryan but only if you are there and see it and can do it immediately. I only had to bite Ryan back once and he never did it again. I think he is still scared of me. :)
ReplyDeleteI agree bite 'em back! It was the only thing that worked with Annelise.
ReplyDeleteWhen I was about 3-4 years old, I bit my kid sister, but of course denied the act and tried to pass it off on the pet Chihuahua. My mom decided to show me what it felt like, so slowly lifted my arm to her mouth, open her mouth wide, baring her teeth (and let me tell you a grown up's teeth look humongous to a pre-schooler), and gently placed her teeth on my arm, but never bit down. I was never hurt, but was shrieking and never, never bit again. Sometimes it's just mind over matter.
ReplyDelete