#The Biting

Here’s how to PREVENT biting (not just react to it): For younger babies: • Keep plenty of safe items they’re allowed to mouth- they explore through their senses • Consider allowing pacifiers a little longer during biting phases • Offer teethers consistently • Teach simple sign language to reduce frustration from limited communication For older toddlers (18 months–3 years): • Increase independence- let them carry their lunchbox, roll out their nap mat, and do things themselves • Strengthen transitions- many bites happen during change and uncertainty • Give them appropriate control and agency throughout the day Most important: don’t overreact. Some children bite for the reaction. Calm, neutral responses reduce reinforcement and help the behavior fade. Prevent the need- don’t just punish the behavior! #biting #earlychildhoodeducation #childhood

Biting is Communication!

Let’s be honest, biting freaks parents out. 😳 It is painful. It is shocking. It is embarrassing. And in that moment, every instinct says, “Shut this down. Fast.” But here is what we know about toddler development: Punishing a child for biting often makes it worse, because it targets the symptom, not the cause. Toddlers bite when they are overwhelmed, dysregulated, overstimulated, or lacking the skills to express what they need. Biting is not a character flaw. It is a skill gap. This is exactly why @parentingtranslator Dr. Cara Goodwin’s session, Breaking the Cycle of Biting Without Shaming, is such an important part of the Transforming Toddlerhood Conference. She walks you through: ✅ Why toddlers bite and what the behavior is really telling you ✅ What reactions accidentally reinforce it ✅ How to respond without shame or punishment ✅ How to teach replacement skills that actually stick Because biting is a skill-building moment, not a send them away moment. If you want practical, developmentally smart tools that actually reduce biting long term, this conference is for you. 👉 Comment JOIN and I will send you your free ticket 🎟️ #transformingtodderhood #toddlerparenting #toddlers #biting #consciousparenting

Hitting and biting is normal in toddlers. It’s not misbehaviour, it’s a skill gap. No need to yell. Stay calm. “Hands are for high fives.” “Biting is for food.” Clear boundary. Soft voice. Repeat. Next reel, I’ll show you how to redirect it in the moment. Save this and follow for part 2. #toddlerparenting #gentleparenting #toddlertips #parentingreels #emotionalregulation

This week, I'm reflecting on biting in the early years. This video goes into why I avoid labeling a child who is biting. Please chime in with any thoughts and suggestions! #Biting #ChildDevelopment #EarlyChildhood #EarlyChildhoodEducation #ReflectiveTeaching #ReflectiveParenting ---------------------------- Rooted in relationship. Responsive to development. The Work of Play is a hub for educators, parents, caregivers & advocates seeking professional learning and speaking that centers relationship, child development, and a more human pace in education. Learn more at theworkofplay.com

What helps Support regulation first. Offer movement. Offer fidgets or safe sensory input. Reduce pressure. Stay calm. When a child feels safe, the behaviour reduces. Reframe Before correcting, ask yourself What is my child’s body trying to manage right now? 👉🏽Save this if nail biting or skin picking shows up in your home. 👉🏽Share this with a parent who worries about it.

Children often have big emotions and frustrations that can lead to hitting, biting and other unacceptable behaviors. One way (there are many) to curb these behaviors is to replace it with something acceptable. Offering a biting toy instead of just saying “no” addresses the underlying issue and is often more successful. Let me know ways you’ve stopped these behaviors! #toddler #biting #children #parents #mom

Children often have big emotions and frustrations that can lead to hitting, biting and other unacceptable behaviors. One way (there are many) to curb these behaviors is to replace it with something acceptable. Offering a biting toy instead of just saying “no” addresses the underlying issue and is often more successful. Let me know ways you’ve stopped these behaviors! #toddler #biting #children #parents #mom

Biting is a tricky stage and usually occurs between 18-30 months due to the lag of communication ability, increased drive for autonomy and sense of self, and lack of impulse control. Basically, a perfect storm. In this video response, I’m throwing out general ideas from years of experience consulting parents and educators through a developmental lens. That does not mean this applies to every situation, every child, or every context. If you would like individual support, I offer one on one consults, now available to book through my website (🔗 in bio).

If your toddler bites, it can feel shocking, embarrassing, and overwhelming 😮‍💨 And when it happens, many parents are told to shame it, guilt it, or punish it out of them. But biting isn’t a character flaw. It’s a sign that your child’s impulse control and emotional regulation skills are still developing 🧠 The goal isn’t to make them feel bad enough to stop. The goal is to keep everyone safe and teach what to do instead. That means, set clear limits, use calm language, and practicing replacement skills after your child is regulated. This is how toddlers learn to move through big emotions without hurting others 💛 I’ve created biting scripts that protect safety and teach skills Comment BITING and I’ll send them to you. Follow @transformingtoddlerhood for clear limits, calmer responses to big emotions, and effective discipline that supports real-life parenting ❤️ #transformingtoddlerhood #toddlertips #toddlerparenting #toddlers

Biting and hitting aren’t “bad kids.” They’re kids communicating without words yet. #ChildcareProviders #EarlyChildhoodEducation #ToddlerBehavior #ChildDevelopment #communicationskills

No one talks about this, but I'm going to. Aggressive behavior in toddlers - hitting, biting, pushing, kicking - is completely normal. Aggression isn't inherently "bad." It's connected to something essential: the ability to defend your own territory, establish boundaries, and assert yourself - skills we all need throughout life. This behavior typically appears when children start walking and talking, between ages 1-3. That's when they realize "I" exists as a separate entity. They're developing a sense of self, autonomy, and personal space. But here's the challenge: toddlers are just beginning to use words to communicate, so they rely on their actions to tell us what they're feeling. When they can't say "I'm frustrated" or "That's mine," they communicate through physical actions. Toddlers don't have the self-control to stop themselves from acting on their feelings. They're just beginning to develop empathy. So when another child takes their toy, they can't think through alternatives - they react physically because that's what their developing brain knows. When should you actually start worrying? Most of the time, hitting and biting are normal. But seek guidance if: • Aggression happens multiple times daily • It's escalating in intensity • It continues past age 4-5 • It interferes with their ability to interact with others By preschool years, aggression should decrease as children develop better emotion regulation and language skills. If it's not decreasing, professional guidance can help. The important thing: occasional aggressive behavior isn't a reflection of your parenting or a sign something is wrong. It's their developing brain learning to navigate big emotions with limited language and impulse control. Does your toddler show aggressive behavior? You're not alone - share your experience below 👇