Consultation with the Specialist

Abstract

A variety of children's behaviors are distressing to parents and often very difficult to manage. These can include biting, temper tantrums, breath-holding spells, and hitting.

Biting

Biting often is the first behavior that provokes major concern and a demand for solutions. The same child who might be excused for hitting may well end up isolated from peers and at risk of being barred from child care for biting. The situation is aggravated by increased parental fears of infection (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome, hepatitis, tetanus, rabies).

The initial biting episode often occurs when the child is teething, with parents being the first bitten; they mistakenly may think it is a cute game. A typical scenario is when one child wants the toy of another and bites in frustration. Many parents do not respond until the possibility of penalties that affect them arise. All adults must be encouraged to have a rule that interrupts the behavior with a strong "No, we never bite people because it hurts them," which can be extended to include pets and stuffed animals. With children in this age group, longer, more complex explanations only provide additional attention and reward behavior that you are trying to stop. Interruption and prevention before the biting occurs is important.