From the Carlswald Principal’s Desk
Biting can be one of the more challenging behaviours parents, caregivers and teachers encounter in early childhood. While it can be upsetting to see (and experience!) biting is actually a common and developmentally appropriate behaviour, especially for children between the ages of 1 and 3. Understanding why it happens and how adults respond can make a significant difference in helping children move through this phase.
Why do toddlers bite?
At around two years old, children are still developing language skills and self-control. When strong emotions arise and words are not yet available, toddlers may use their bodies, including the act of biting, to communicate. Some of the most common reasons include:
- Limited communication skills: Toddlers may bite when they cannot express feelings like anger, fear, frustration, or excitement.
- Teething or oral stimulation: Sore gums from teething can lead children to bite to relieve pressure.
- Cause-and-effect exploration: Young children are curious and may bite to see the immediate reaction it causes.
- Overstimulation or fatigue: When children are overtired or overwhelmed, self-control is harder to manage.
- Self-defense: A child may bite to protect their space or belongings.
- Imitation: Sometimes children repeat behaviours they have observed.
Although unpleasant, biting is often a temporary phase that decreases as children gain language and social skills.
How teachers (and parents) react to biting
At Earlybird our teachers are trained to respond to biting in a calm, consistent, and developmentally appropriate way that supports both the child who was bitten and the child who bit.
Immediate response: The “Stop” phase
- Intervene quickly and calmly to stop the behaviour and ensure safety.
- Remain calm and use a firm, simple message such as, “We don’t bite other people/our friends. Biting hurts.”
- Get down to the child’s eye level to communicate clearly without intimidation, shame or threat.
- Remove the child who bit from the situation to reduce attention to the behaviour.
Teaching and learning: The “Teach” phase
- Comfort the child who was bitten and attend to any physical needs.
- Encourage empathy by explaining the impact of the action: “Our friend is sad because she was bitten.”
- Help the child label emotions: “You were angry when the toy was taken.”
- Teach alternative ways to communicate, such as saying “Stop,” “Mine,” or “Help.”
- If teething is a factor, provide appropriate items like teethers or cold chewable tools.
Long Term prevention and support
- Close supervision: For children who bite frequently, adults may use close-proximity monitoring to anticipate and prevent incidents.
- Environment checks: Ensuring enough toys and space to reduce conflict.
- Observation and communication: Teachers know to document incidents and work closely with families to identify triggers such as hunger, fatigue, or frustration.
- Positive reinforcement: Children are praised when they use words and positive social skills instead of biting.
When should parents be concerned?
Biting is most common between ages 1 and 3 and usually fades as children develop better communication and emotional regulation. However, biting may require professional guidance if it:
- Continues beyond ages 3–4
- Happens very frequently or is increasing
- Is severe, breaks the skin, or leaves significant marks
- Is accompanied by other aggressive behaviours
- Appears intentional rather than frustration-based
- Includes self-biting
In these cases, consulting a pediatrician or child development specialist can help identify underlying causes such as emotional, behavioral, or sensory challenges.
Working together
At Earlybird , we view biting not as a “bad behaviour,” but as a signal – a child communicating a need they cannot yet express with words. By responding with understanding, patience, consistency, and collaboration between teachers and families, we help children learn healthier ways to express themselves and build strong social skills.
If you ever have questions or concerns about your child’s behaviour, we encourage open communication. Together, we can support every child’s growth in a safe and nurturing environment.
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