My 16mo has recently started biting me, pretty hard. She attends nursery so may have picked it up there (I know she's been bitten once, but not badly). She hasn't bitten any of the other children to my knowledge, and the nursery is very good about telling me if there have been any incidences. In fact, I'm sure it's only me she bites.
She's very friendly and very loving towards me in particular, which makes me think she may be doing it as an over-enthusiastic display of affection. However, it hurts and I want her to stop! I've tried saying 'No!', moving her away from me, and letting her know that it hurt me by looking upset, holding the area she's bitten etc, but she just laughs as if it's part of a game. Obviously I don't want to upset her either, I just want to teach her that you don't bite.
All the literature and advice I've seen on the internet seems to be for children who bite out of anger and frustration, so not helpful. My HV was similarly clueless (although v busy so maybe misunderstood me). How can I show DD it's not funny or loving, it hurts and you shouldn't bite?
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Toddler biting - but only me. How do I show her it's wrong?
ScrambledSmegs · 23/06/2011 09:47
dolster Ah, yes mine pinches too! Unfortunately she does it when I'm not expecting it, makes me jump and of course that's hilarious 
. I've tried not reacting at all to the pinching (apart from saying no, obviously) and she's getting a bit bored of that. Maybe give it a try?
Re: biting. Maybe it's because I get upset that's means she keeps doing it? So, it's a reaction therefore it's good? Although tbh it's normally when we've been playing together for a while that it happens, as in - she's very happy and comes to give me a kiss but bites instead. Ach, this child-rearing lark is most confusing.
Mamachoo I will probably give it a try, might do more than anything I've tried so far. Thanks. She broke the skin today, not acceptable 
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skybluepearl thanks but she doesn't understand the concept of time out or a naughty step yet. She just thinks it's part of the game and laughs. Also, since she's being affectionate and not intentionally hurting me I don't want to punish her for showing me love, IYKWIM. Just get her to understand the difference between biting and kissing really.
Thanks cadifflur. So, today I grasped the nettle and bit my child back. She looked so betrayed . However, so far no more biting. Fingers crossed it works, I definitely don't want to do that again!
Thanks for all the advice everyone, you've all been really helpful!
Cor, Happylander, your friend must have the reflexes of a ninja! It sounds like a really effective anti-biting method.
However... over 24 hours since 'Operation Bite-back' and she hasn't nipped me once! Too soon to heave a sigh of relief? Maybe, but I'm feeling hopeful.
She did poo in the bath though, I think she's resorting to guerrilla tactics to get her own back 
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