Biting your child repeatedly (on more than one occasion) because they bite you is wrong right?...

[LittleMissBliss]

It just saddens me a mum that i know does this.

One occasion she left teeth marks on his arm and today she said he has a bruise on his back because she had bitten him back again. So clearly because she has to keep on biting him to show him it is wrong isn't working. Also the fact that he laughs at her when she hits (to punish), bites him or tells him off (he's only just one).

The reason she bites him is because she doesn't want him biting other children. But bites that leave marks and bruises are just awful aren't they? I'm trying to not be too judgey because d/s is still toothless at 10 months so don't have this problem. Can anyone suggest a better way to combat biting? He has nearly all his teeth so he does hurt her or who else he chooses to bite.

I would never say to her face ''you shouldn't bite your!'' child because i can't dictate her parenting style. But if you have any good tips i may be able to slip them into conversation the next time her son goes to bite another child.

Also just to put as much into the OP as possible we have very different parenting styles but very different children also. I luckily have a very placid good natured son, i know that isn't a reflection of my parenting just luck and genes. Her son has been very hard work from birth so i do feel for her as she has had a hard time.

I'm gobsmacked that anyone would bite a baby or give them alcohol. Unbelievable!
Poor kid

PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE talk to someone about this

Whether she has been given wrong advice or doesn't understand how to parent safely, this child needs protection.

I understand it can be a bit scary reporting it so you could write a letter anonymously to a hv or her doctor but please don't allow this child to be treated this way he is too young to defend himself and needs your help.

Good luck

I tried to call the clinic this morning as the H/Vs run a weigh-in clinic between 8-11 a.m.
I was unable to get through so decided to go to the clinic just before 11 to see if i could catch my h/v for a chat before she left.

Unfortunately the two h/v that i know well were not working today and i would prefer to discuss the matter with someone who i know and feel comfortable arround.

My details were written down and my h/v will hopefully call me tomorrow morning. I am going to ask her if it would be possible to have a home visit, or i will go to the clinic. I think it would be best for me to talk to her in person. I will let you know tomorrow how it goes. I'll feel so much better when i've told someone in RL as it has really been playing on my mind.

LMB- Good for you for making the first steps. I hope tomorrow goes OK.

You are absolutely doing the right thing and the responsibility to investigate it further will be in someone else's hands and not on your conscience.

Jesus just read the OP are you reporting to HV? I hope so this sounds horrendous..

Just read your last post lmb you are so doing the right thing. This lady needs educating.

I don't know what to suggest about this one. I recently found out that my sister does this to her DD (aged 3) I was on the phone and heard her shouting in the background 'you know what happens when you bite. You bite you get bitten' followed by dniece crying.
Thought it seemed rather harsh and pointless. besides, I'm no expert, as I haven't had to deal with it yet, but isn't biting a phase all young children go through?

If she has left a bruise then she has broken the law.

All she is doing is teaching him that it is acceptable - if painfull- to bite someone if they do something you dont like.

her child is only young, what is her excuse for such immaturity?

My H/V wasn't able to see me today but the childrens nurse (who runs the underones group where i met the mum mentioned) was able to come over.

She was really understanding and was happy that i was able to tell her. They will not do anything directly. But she said the h/v will go about offering the mum more support, educating her and generally correcting her where she is going wrong. They will definitely address the issues that i mentioned but in less obvious ways. I'm so happy that i told her and that they will be discreet.

Thankyou again for everyones posts.

Well done LMB -poor little boy. I'm glad they are going to keep an eye out for him, his mother sounds pretty awful/misguided.

Well done LMB; you definitely did the right thing.

Well done LMB, you did hte right thing.

I hope the HV bites her !

Seriously, you did the best thing for the poor baby.

my DD who is 2 years old hasnt done the biting thing so far. however she loves to dish out a good pinch or slap, not to me but to daddy or her peers . we ignore, ignore, ignore. she stops when she doesnt get what she wants!