Understanding and Addressing Biting Behavior
Biting is a common behavior in infants, toddlers, and 2-year-olds as they navigate their early stages of growth and development. While this behavior is often temporary, it can be unsettling for families and may require thoughtful strategies to address.
Why Do Children Bite?
Children may bite for various reasons, including:
- Teething pain that causes discomfort.
- Curiosity about cause and effect (“What happens when I bite?”).
- Sensory exploration or a need for oral-motor stimulation.
- Imitation of peers or adults.
- A desire to feel powerful or in control.
- Seeking attention.
- Self-defense in overwhelming situations.
- Communicating needs like hunger, fatigue, or difficult emotions such as frustration or fear.
How We Address Biting at The Learning Pavilion
Our team takes a proactive and compassionate approach to managing biting behaviors:
- Observation and Record-Keeping: Staff document incidents to identify triggers and patterns.
- Positive Interventions: Caregivers evaluate the behavior and develop a personalized behavioral plan. This approach avoids shaming or punishment, focusing instead on teaching the child alternative ways to meet their needs.
- Behavioral Plan Implementation: Plans often include close, non-intrusive supervision and redirection strategies. Caregivers guide children to positive behaviors, helping them form new, constructive habits over time.
Our goal is to support children in developing self-control, problem-solving skills, and effective communication, creating a nurturing environment where all children can thrive.
