We've been bitten!

[ImpatientGriselda]

Hi, DD, 14 month, has bitten me and her father rather painfully this evening,on wrist and finger respectively.

DP remained calm (although was somewhat shocked), whereas I screamed and shouted (in shock not anger). DD paused and threw her arms around my neck (in remorse)?

What is the best reaction; any tips on what we should we do? Really don't want this to become a vampiric new habit.....

Don't stress, she's only 14m. Just look at her sternly and say firmly, 'We don't bite - it hurts' and then leave it. Don't be surprised if she doesn't learn it straight away, but don't punish her. She's so young, she's just testing things out and will enjoy your reaction if you scream out - not because she's nasty but because it's interesting. She just needs to be told it's not acceptable a few times and she'll get it soon enough.

DS went through a biting phase. My natural reaction was similar to yours, but he only stopped when I fought my instincts and gave no reaction at all, which is easier said than done, but when he got no response to it, he stopped quite quickly.

God luck.

I did also try Lindenlass' approach, with no effect.

Thanks folks ,I shall try both tactics and see which one works. Just need to try to adjust pain/outrage threshold first....

youch! I would scream too. hopefully your reaction would have shown her its wrong