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Behaviour/development

Talk to others about child development and behaviour stages here. You can find more information on our development calendar.

toddler biting - help!

5 replies

jakesmum30 · 07/06/2010 20:44

Looking for a bit of reassurance as DS (2 years old next week) has bitten the DD of a friend when they came round this afternoon. He wasn't cross or upset, he just did it. I haven't seen this friend for a while, and her DD is really quiet and gentle, and was so upset when my DS bit her, and stood by the front door wanting to go home. I was mortified, and put him in the corner and gave lots of attention to the little girl. They're both exactly the same age (born on the same day). DS did go through a biting stage about 6 months ago, but only me and DH. I thought DS was really upset about the whole thing, but when DH got home from work DS told him all about it and sounded quite proud . Can anyone whose toddler went through this stage and came out the other side give me some advice and reassurance? Don't want to do any more socialising the way I feel at the moment, and we've got three more play dates this week! I've recently had DD2 who is 7 weeks old, not sure if this might have anything to do with it??

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MummyElk · 07/06/2010 20:49

Don't cancel your playdates....keep a close eye on him, jump in if you think he's about to bite again and make sure there is no ambiguity for him that this is A Bad Thing To Do.
My 2yo DD1 is going through exactly the same stage, she's expressing her frustration and it is all very horrible tbh, I think she's perhaps pissed off at the World (DD2 is 11wks...) and doesn't know how to express it.
it IS upsetting. but so many toddlers go through this stage. if you can get him to say sorry once he's sat on naughty step/whatever, then that's also good (and for the parent diplomatic process too )
good luck

ChezzaB · 08/06/2010 21:11

DS1 2.3yrs has just recently started biting DS2 9mo for no reason what so ever. He knows he has done wrong as he automatically kisses DS2's hand where he bites and says sorry! I was wondering if he was getting excited and this was causing it! He goes to nursery 4 mornings a week and doesn't do it to anyone there only his brother! I don't really understand either but it might make you feel a tiny bit better to know it isn't just your child!!!

jakesmum30 · 08/06/2010 21:29

Thank you! It's great to know I'm not the only one. I mentioned it to my GP today when I went for post natal check with my 7 week old, and she said she bit her younger sister all the time when she was 4 years old, and then used to bite herself and claim her younger sister had done it! The conclusion being that she turned out alright, became a GP and hasn't bitten anyone else for quite a few years! I felt better after she told me that story. Mummyelk, your advice is really useful. I've phoned the mum of the toddler who's coming to play tomorrow to give her advance warning, and she was very laid back about it so at least we're all prepared! Thought about having a little chat with DS before they get here, but don't want to plant any ideas in his head so I'll just keep a close eye...

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wedgeitt · 12/06/2010 18:45

My son scratches other kids and has bitten once aswell. I sympathise cos its so upsetting and very embarrasing. I have to have a meeting with his nursery to talk about strategies and a lot of the other mums are not happy when they see us coming in to the playground which is not a nice feeling.

MumOfAPickle · 16/06/2010 11:40

My 2.4 yr old DS has just started biting other children and its horrible

He doesn't do it often but has on about 4 or 5 occassions. Its usually when they both want to play with the same thing or if the other child is pushing into him. The worst thing is that he sometimes does it really hard and it leaves marks.

I don't know what to advise really and am lurking hoping for some helpful tips myself! We tell him its wrong and remove him from the situation. Sometimes I think he undersatnds and then other times he laughs about it

Most of the parents have been fine but one woman flipped out a bit "OH MY GOD - HE'S BITING" as if she'd never seen anything like it which was pretty horrible. I could understand it but he didn't actually even bite her little girl, just went to and got a bit of her cardigan but then stopped.

The only good thing is that he hasn't done it at nursery at all.

Can anyone shed light on how long this 'stage' may last? I'm expecting DC2 in September and am a bit worried....

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