We will be including regular snippets of information on our blog for parents of younger children, featuring useful tips and insight into promoting children's health, well-being and development. Our first bitesize bulletin is on biting.
Getting curious about biting
Biting is often linked to lack of language, dealing with big emotions e.g. frustration or excitement, exploring senses, interest in the reactions, tiredness, teething.
Top tips for parents
Try not to not dwell on past biting incidents. They may be accidentally reinforcing the issue.
Stay positive and give lots of praise and encouragement when things are going well.
What can we do?
Try and anticipate situations of biting hotspots.
Have safe objects for biting on - teething rings/crunchy snacks.
Use a calm voice and stay close.
Use simple language, such as "no biting"; a serious facial expression will tell them that was not ok.
Once the situation has passed, reconnect, give them a hug, or read a story together.
Keep children engaged in play. Spend time with them, and distract them when things get difficult.
Information taken from material produced by the Early Years and Childcare Team, Cheshire East.
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