There are a few undesirable behaviors that are sadly somewhat common among younger children who are still developing, and one that’s especially difficult in child care settings is biting. While some children may have a propensity for biting, including biting other kids, parents and caregivers alike can take proper approaches to noting, deterring and eventually eliminating this behavior in healthy ways. 

At Smart Kids Development Center, we’re proud to offer a wide range of child care programs for families around Taylorsville, Salt Lake City and Kearns, from daycare programs to preschool classes, summer camp and more. In this two-part blog series, we’ll go over some of the basic reasons why some children develop biting as a habit, plus what parents and other caregivers can do to address it and help deter this practice in healthy ways.

Why Some Children Develop a Biting Habit

There are a few common reasons why some young children may develop a biting habit, including:

• Frustration: In many cases, biting is simply an expression of frustration. Young children who don’t always have the words or communication skills to express their emotions clearly may turn to biting as a way of showing they’re upset.

• Exploration: Other times, it’s not necessarily about negative emotions, but rather pure exploration. Young children are naturally curious and may bite simply because they’re interested in what it feels like or how others will react.

• Attention-seeking: In some cases, biting can be a way for a child to get attention from their caregivers or peers. This can be particularly true if the child has learned that biting gets a strong reaction from those around them.

• Teething: Finally, for very young children who are teething, biting can be a way to relieve some of the discomfort they may be feeling. Biting down on something provides counter-pressure that can help alleviate pain and irritation in the gums.

Observing Biting Circumstances and Details

As a parent or caregiver for young children, one of the best ways to address biting is by observing when and how it occurs. This information can help you pinpoint potential triggers or patterns that may be contributing to the behavior. Some important details to note include:

• Timing: Does the child bite at certain times of day, such as during transitions between activities or when they’re feeling particularly tired?

• Triggers: Are there specific things that seem to set off the child’s biting behavior, such as being in a crowded or noisy environment?

• Targets: Who or what does the child most often bite – is it other children, adults, or objects like toys or furniture?

• Responses: How do caregivers and peers react when the child bites? Does this response seem to reinforce or discourage the behavior?

By carefully observing these and other details, parents and caregivers can gain valuable insights into a child’s biting behavior and begin to develop strategies for addressing it. In part two of this series, we’ll go over some specific approaches that have been shown to be effective at deterring biting in young children. Stay tuned! 

At Smart Kids Development Center, we strive to create a nurturing environment where children can learn and grow while feeling safe and supported. If you’re looking for top-quality child care services in Taylorsville, Salt Lake City or Kearns, contact us today to learn more!