How to stop biting

[Wondering1982]

Hi, My 19 month old keeps biting people. She's not being malicious and we certainly don't encourage it but how can I teach her to stop? I'm worried she's going to hurt another child or something, as she clearly doesn't realise it hurts when she does it.

[Sisi14]

Hi Hun , some children go through this and I remember my daughter was a child on the receiving end of a bite from another child at nursery and I was devastated but also understanding as I know some children do it.

I learnt at my nursery when a child done wrong smacking and biting etc we used to put them on a spot or chair away from the activities etc for time out , it’s about you explaining why the child is in that place in a calm low voice and saying it’s wrong and saying they have to stay there til (1.5 mins) it’s a minute every child year ! When the times over explain that their not to do it again as they don’t want time out and they say sorry! It worked at my nursery but also with my 14 year old daughter too. It seems harsh but as long as it’s calm it’s worth it Hun ! Your child’s not on her own xx

[Wondering1982 in reply to Sisi14]

Thank you. I think she just doesn't understand that it hurts so as far as she's concerned she's just using her nice new teeth! Not sure if she's a bit little to understand the whole 'naughty step type idea at 19 months though? I heard they syart understanding these sorts of things more at 2? Not sure about this though as she likes to test the waters from time to time so there must be some level of awareness.....

[Sisi14 in reply to Wondering1982]

Hun they might grow out of it , if your child goes to nursery just inform the staff that she’s going through the phase. My 16 year old didn’t but my 14 year old did and my 4 year old hasn’t but all children are different! All best x

[JNDuce12-13]

Urgh! I have a little boy and 2neices and 2nephews and apart my my youngest nephew they ALL went through a phase of biting. It was usually at the worse possible times, to the one person/persons child that wouldn’t understand (Typical!) but they all grew out of it. I used to pretend to cry when my little boy bit me. To show him it’s hurt mummy. It’s like a hitting or whining phase, they soon grow out of it x

[Wondering1982 in reply to JNDuce12-13]

Good to know its just a phase. Will work on my dramatic fake crying xx

[roxannacar]

I think naughty step won't work at this age as too young to understand is also avoid taking crying ... when I take cry but daughter finds it entertaining.

I would try m saying in a serious to be that's it not a nice thing to do and instead you can carress the area and say nice mummy or something... trying to replace the behaviour. Worked with my cousins son .