Between their first and third birthdays, most toddlers engage in some form of biting. Typically, this behavior develops because it is one of the few means of communication available to a toddler. But not all children have the biting habit. Some of them shove, hit, pinch or grab. That can be just as bad!

Another reason that toddlers bite is that they feel frustrated because their motor and communication skills are so limited at this time.

A toddler will laugh when mommy suddenly jumps and screams, or if one of his friends starts wailing. Another reason for biting is that the toddler is teething or because they just think everything should go in their mouth so why not someone’s arm? The problem could even be as simple as being hungry.

How do you teach your child not to bite? You need to communicate clearly that it’s inappropriate and hurtful to bite. Let them know how much pain the other kids feel when your toddler bites them. Make sure you tell your toddler that biting is unacceptable and wrong and that mommy and daddy do not appreciate it.

If you think that your little one is biting out of frustration, help your toddler find another way to communicate that they’re having a hard time. Even though teaching English seems to be a monumental task at this time, most toddlers can be taught words that are right for certain situations.

For example, “You need to tell mommy or daddy that you need help and not bite us.” Or “Let mommy know what you need, but no biting. Mommy will get hurt if you bite her, and I know that you don’t want to make mommy sad.” This might induce a sense of shame for their actions, and they may think twice the next time before biting someone.

As parents, you shouldn’t let biting become a big issue. This is true of all behavior that you do not want to see repeated. Gently but firmly tell the toddler that there is no biting allowed, that it is wrong and that it hurts all sorts of people – both big and small.

Visit Toddlers Now for more great tips on raising a little one.

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