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BITING
Biting is something that is commonly dealt with when working with infants and toddlers. Most children do not bite often, but when they do it must be dealt with in the best way possible to prevent recurrences. Step 1: Identify. Try to figure out why the child is biting. Are they teething, do they want attention, or do they do it in anger? Once the situation is appropriately evaluated then it can be handled properly. Step 2: Intervene. If a child is biting when angry or frustrated try to identify and remove them from upsetting situations. Keep them distracted. It is also important to praise good communication. Teach them to identify emotions and then express themselves in more positive ways. "Say please if you want the toy, don’t bite!" Be sure to provide teething toys for teething infants as well. Step 3: Communicate. It is important as a parent to notify a child care provider if a child is biting, and providers must also notify parents. Working together at home and at daycare will remedy the problem much more quickly. For more information on biting: www.paap.org/ecels/fact/bite.htm Pennsylvania Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics. www.wccip.org Wisconsin Child Care Improvement Project. ___________________________________________________________________ |
