Biting is a common but often distressing behavior that many parents encounter, especially during the early years of their child’s development.

It’s important to understand that biting is a typical phase for infants and toddlers, and most children outgrow it as they develop self-control and communication skills.

However, biting incidents in daycare centers and preschools can be concerning for parents and educators alike.

Let’s explore why children bite, how Pembroke Pines daycare centers handle it, and what parents can do to address biting behavior at home and in care settings.

Why Do Children Bite?

Children bite for several reasons, ranging from developmental to environmental factors.

Biting is often linked to stages in early childhood development, where children are still learning how to manage emotions, communicate, and interact with others.

Here are some common reasons for biting, particularly in daycare settings:

1. Teething Discomfort

Teething is a major reason why infants and young toddlers bite. The discomfort caused by growing teeth makes biting a way for them to relieve the pressure on their gums. Biting into objects, or even people, may bring temporary relief during this process.

How to Help: Provide teething rings, cold washcloths, or other safe objects designed for teething to give them something appropriate to chew on. At the Learning Village, we supply age-appropriate teething toys to ensure that children have a safe outlet for their discomfort.

2. Exploration of Cause and Effect

Infants and toddlers are naturally curious about the world around them. Biting can sometimes be an experimental behavior, where the child bites to see what happens next. This is part of their exploration of cause and effect as they learn how their actions influence the environment.

How to Help: Gently explain the consequences of biting without overreacting. Children at this age are highly impressionable, so keeping responses calm while reinforcing positive behavior can be effective.

3. Communication Challenges

Toddlers are still developing language skills and may bite out of frustration when they can’t express their feelings or needs verbally. They might bite when they’re hungry, tired, or feeling overwhelmed because they don’t have the words to explain these emotions.

How to Help: Teach simple phrases or gestures to help toddlers communicate. At the Learning Village, we focus on improving language skills in young children, helping them use words

instead of actions to express their needs. For example, encouraging them to say “help” or “please” when they need assistance can reduce frustration-based biting.

4. Self-Defense or Frustration

In some cases, biting occurs as a defensive response. For example, if a child feels threatened or overwhelmed in a group setting, they may bite as a way to protect themselves. Similarly, frustration over shared toys or a lack of personal space can trigger biting.

How to Help: Help children develop social skills like taking turns and sharing. Supervision during group play and modeling positive behaviors are key. At The Learning Village, educators intervene early when they see signs of frustration or conflict among children, guiding them toward peaceful solutions.

5. Attention-Seeking Behavior

Biting sometimes happens because children want attention. Even though the attention might be negative, it’s still attention. If a child notices that biting causes an immediate reaction from an adult, they may continue this behavior to engage with caregivers.

How to Help: Reinforce positive behavior by providing plenty of attention when children are behaving well. Avoid giving too much reaction when biting occurs, focusing instead on redirecting their actions.

How The Learning Village Responds to Biting in Daycare

At The Learning Village, we understand that biting is a normal part of early childhood development, especially in infants and toddlers.

However, it’s essential to address biting incidents promptly and constructively to maintain a safe and nurturing environment for all children.

Here’s how we manage biting incidents in our Pembroke Pines daycare center:

1. Identify the Cause

Our first step is to observe the child and identify the underlying reasons for the biting behavior. Is it related to teething, frustration, or communication difficulties? Understanding the “why” behind biting allows us to provide tailored support for each child.

2. Offer Appropriate Solutions

Once we’ve identified the cause, we provide solutions. For teething, we supply safe teething toys. For frustration or communication issues, we work on teaching children better ways to express their feelings. This includes simple verbal cues, gestures, and problem-solving strategies.

3. Teach Problem-Solving Skills

Biting can sometimes result from a child not knowing how to resolve a conflict or navigate social interactions. We guide children through these situations, offering them strategies to manage frustration and practice patience. This might include helping them learn how to share or take turns.

4. Positive Reinforcement

We focus on positive reinforcement at The Learning Village. When children make an effort to communicate without biting or resolve conflicts in a calm manner, we celebrate those successes. Positive attention helps reinforce good behavior and encourages children to make better choices.

5. Communicating with Parents

Open communication with parents is essential in managing biting. If a biting incident occurs, we inform families promptly and work together to address the behavior. We offer suggestions for consistent approaches at home and in daycare, ensuring that children receive the same message about acceptable behaviors in both settings.

How Parents Can Help at Home

Parents play a crucial role in helping their child navigate this developmental phase. Here are some strategies to manage and prevent biting at home:

1. Provide Teething Relief

If teething is the issue, offer teething rings, cold washcloths, or other safe objects for your child to bite. Ensure that your child has appropriate outlets to manage teething pain both at home and in daycare.

2. Establish Consistent Routines

Predictable routines for meals, naps, and transitions help children feel secure and reduce frustration. A child who knows what to expect is less likely to feel overwhelmed or upset, making biting less likely.

3. Encourage Positive Communication

Teach your child simple words or gestures to express their needs, such as “help,” “more,” or “stop.” Reducing communication frustration helps minimize the likelihood of biting.

4. Monitor Playtime

Supervised play is crucial during this phase of development. Keep an eye on interactions with other children and intervene early if frustration or conflict arises. At home, ensure that your child understands positive ways to handle these interactions.

5. Be Patient and Consistent

Patience is key. Biting is a phase, and with consistent guidance, children will learn to manage their emotions and express themselves in more constructive ways.

Conclusion

Biting can be a challenging behavior to manage, but with patience, understanding, and consistent guidance, children can learn to communicate their needs and emotions in more positive ways. At The Learning Village in Pembroke Pines, we are committed to working with families to support each child’s development in a safe and nurturing environment.

Would you like to learn more about how The Learning Village manages developmental behaviors in our daycare center and supports your child’s growth? Please schedule a tour today.