Biting in Children: a Way of Expressing Frustration

Does you child spend his time biting his friends? Are you his favourite victim? Biting is common in young children but can cause a headache to parents.

Using teeth to express themselves

Almost all children pass through this at one time or another, having the temptation to express themselves through biting. Beyond the obvious need to externalize their aggression, the message varies according to age ... and motivation.

Your child may be less than 2 years old. Maybe biting is the way to express his love toward his mother. More seriously the bite is also a way for him to oppose you and others.

When the child is older the reason for biting may either be a way of showing disapproval for obvious reasons like scolding or he may have another reason like for example being jealous of his little brother or a friend at kindergarten. He may be not sure of himself and so uses biting as a means of discontent.

Help him to release his aggression

Do not let your child anything he wants. Although there is no reason to be worried that biting will not affect him later on in his life this way of communication is quite inappropriate and painful. Tell your child clearly that this behaviour is inappropriate and make him apologize. Show him that you understand his motivation and that his attitude has no effect on you encouraging him to seek another way in expressing himself.

If the victim is one of his friends take advantage by giving some moral values and explain to him that it is unacceptable to do this to friends.

The bite is one of the clearest manifestations of aggressiveness that words fail to express. He may angrily throw his toys and trample on your flowers. Treat this act by first helping him to release his energy by introducing more physical games like ball games.

Seek a therapist

Show interest in why he is doing this. If he always bites his little brother, it may be because he is accusing him of stealing part of your affection. The best solution is to reassure your child and to clearly mention and talk about the problem with him. Finally, if the situation will not be resolved over time it is advisable to contact a therapist that may help you discover what the real cause for all this.

Sources:

http://pediatrics.about.com/od/biting/Stopping_Toddler_Biting_Behaviors.htm