|
They are aware that their words will not havethe same effect as their
teeth. They realise a good bite always seems to get a lot of reaction.
Children bite for a number of reasons
| a. |
For some toddlers, biting may be just
another inquisitive sensory experiment. |
| b. |
Biting to a particular child may be just
another way to say "I Love You". |
| c. |
Biting may be a sign that boredom,
fatigue or hunger has set in. |
| d. |
Teeth pain provokes the need to nibble
on something or someone. |
| e. |
Biting can represent no more than a call for attention. |
| f. |
Biting can be a reaction to extreme
stress, when a child is very frightened. The child's coping strategies could not meet his
needs. |
| g. |
Biting in toddlers, is a behaviour that
parents dread the most. Biting has the unique distinction of bruising feelings, as well as
flesh, terrorizing its small victims and enraging its larger ones. |
| h. |
Sometimes a child may bite his nails out
of frustration, to get what he wants from another child, such as a toy. |
The following precautions must be taken
| a. |
Provide a
nibble to prevent biting : Sometimes a child bites just because he is hungry. Always feed
your child before he goes to play. |
| b. |
Take biting
seriously : Some parents laugh when their child bites another person. This will encourage
biting. |
| c. |
Do not bite
back : Stop stooping to your toddlers level "A bite for a bite", aggressive acts
stop when adults stop them, do not bite back your toddler. |
| d. |
Avoid double
standards : Some parents bite their child's toes or fingers playfully or allow their
toddlers to take a nip of their cheek or arm. However, when a child does the same to a
playmate, they scold him. |
| e. |
Nip biting in
the bud : Separate the biter and the victim immediately. Do not overreact or yell.
Politely inform the child, "Please do not bite. Biting hurts". |
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