Biting is a quite common activity for some under 3's, especially when in groups, and can also occur at an older age. Biting is an act of a little person who is only beginning to learn social skills. Therefore any child can bite or be bitten.

So why do some children bite while others do not?

Teething:

Everybody understands the pain that children experience when they are teething. For little people cutting teeth, sometimes biting brings a degree of relief and they will bite anything at their time of need.

Frustration:

Imagine if you were unable to express your wants and needs effectively. How frustrating it would be. For little ones this type of pent up irritation can result in them biting in order to relieve their frustration. Remember that at this age children are just beginning to learn what is acceptable behaviour.

Impulsiveness:

Small children lack self-control and at times a juicy arm or leg can be irresistible. Impulsive biters don't bite intentionally this is just their way of exploring their new exciting world.

So what are some strategies to cope with a little biter?

If you are present when an incident occurs here are some actions you can take.

• Use a firm voice.
  
• Biting Hurts. Gently remove the biting child from the scene, distract the child with a book / toy etc. Go back to the child who has been bitten give them plenty of T L C apply an ice pack or damp cloth on the bite. Have someone stay with the child, comfort them by reading a book or give them a toy etc.
  
• Often the child who has bitten has no idea what they have done, they also need reassurance as all the fuss, can often upset them. It is important to not keep reminding the child about what they have done.
  
• If your child or a child you know has bitten in the past it is advisable to keep a discreet eye on them when in the company of other children. This will help you to prevent situations arising where there is the possibility that the child may bite again.

Childcare and Biting

Every childcare service will have strategies to be implemented when biting occurs. If your child is involved in a biting incident, be sure to discuss your feelings with your carer/s and partner.

If your child has been bitten, remember that childcare centre carers are prevented from divulging the name of any child that has bitten. Your child should have received the appropriate attention, check that they have and ask for the details of the incident (when did it occur etc). There could be the odd occasion in which your child has been bitten and the carer's are unaware of it happening, be sure to notify your service if this has happened, as they need to be aware if there is a biter in the group.

Biting is not confined to a childcare setting, it can happen anywhere there are children present, if you're out shopping, at the park or at a party, anywhere there are a group of children together.

As a parent it can be extremely distressing if your child is bitten or if your child is a biter. If incidents occur in a childcare situation it is important that you work together with your service to overcome these issues.

Always remember that children who bite do grow out of it!