Biting

[ReindeerBollocks]

DD (2yo) has starting biting when she doesn't get her own way. I always give her some time out after explaining that her behaviour was wrong and hurts people.

But she is still doing it. She mainly aims for her older brother but she has bit DH and I. She tends to do it more if they have fallen out over a toy or she is over tired but it's really not acceptable.

She seems happy and is well cared for, we do play dates and she hasn't yet bitten one of her friends (thank goodness) I just can't seem to get her to stop behaving like this at home.

Does anyone have any tips on preventing her doing this?

You get down to her level every time, make her look you in the eye, and tell her very firmly that she is not to bite. Every time.

Exotic - that's exactly what I've been doing - although granted my OP may not have given that impression. After I tell her that I place her away from us, just to give her some calm time.

I have been very firm, and yet it is still happening. I feel really guilty that I haven't cracked the problem yet.

Do reprimand and do keep saying over and over that biting is not allowed and it hurts.

But don;t expect it to stop that quickly. Some kids do it once or twice and then stop. Or they are like my 3yr old and he had an absolutely awful phase when someone took at toy off him or pushed him - then he'd hit or bite back. Especially when tired or hungry. His poor big brother. It was horrible but I think we are over the worst.

It's trial and error. My 3yr old responded alot to a reward chart for good behaviour days - picking a sticker himself out of our sticker collection and putting it on the chart.

It may take time-make sure that you are consistent. (sorry-no easy answer)

Sorry OP but I agree with the above. Even when you are doing all the right things it won't necessarily stop this behaviour - it just seems to be a phase that some toddlers go through (my DS2 was a pusher). Keep being consistent and it will eventually have an effect. It may take a while though.

You will feel that you are banging your head against a brick wall and that it isn't worth the effort. However, keep going-don't change tactics-be boringly consistent and one day (hopefully soon) she will stop.

Thank you everyone. I am pleased that we are doing it right, and I think we don't have a choice but to continue as we are and hopefully she will get the message soon and stop.