So how DO you deal with a persistent biter? I have one, and she goes in phases (she's 2 1/2). Sometimes I think we're through it, and then it starts happening again. Almost everything else "terrible" about the two's I can deal with, but this is driving me mad. She's been doing it for a long time.
She only bites children she knows well.
Usually under some sort of "sufference" (i.e. being wrestled to the floor, being crowded etc) although I have never seen this as "mitigating" circumstances (I always feel more cross with her for biting, than for the child in question having "provoked", I certainly don't have that "my child can do no wrong attitude).
I know why she does it - because it normally stops whatever behaviour she finds unwanted from another child immediately, and she does it almost as a reflex reaction... But...
And I am starting to lose my temper big time with her when she does it now, and although if she ever does it in a controlled environment (i.e. at home, or at a friend's house) I can take the more calm, remove her from the situation approach - what do I do like today when she did it to a friend in the pool because he was trying to climb on her back and take her toys away, and I have only just got in the pool with her and my 10m old baby...
It's easy to say "just take them home" but the hassle to get there, pay four quid and then have to get out and get everyone dried and home in floods of hysterical tears, kinda puts me off...
sob.
I also hate the fact that I am judged as some sort of bad parent who doesn't discipline because she bites.