How to Get My 16 Month Old to Stop Biting
Biting is common in kids in 1 to 3 year olds. Children undergo a number of emotions as they grow up and biting is just one way they can deal with stress. With some deft handling and supervision, and lots of love and care, parents can help their kids work through the biting phase.
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Instructions
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Observe the pattern of biting incidents to identify the reason behind the biting. Does your 16 month old bite when playing with his elder brother or sister? Kids feel insecure in the company of their elder siblings and they may bite to show assertiveness. Does he bite for the toy his friend has? Sometimes kids use biting as a coping technique in response to new developments in their life such as joining a play school or moving to another neighborhood.
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Prevent biting incidents by taking the appropriate action in accordance with your observation. For example, buy a toy similar to the toy her friend has. Instead of elder siblings, make children younger than her his playmates so he doesn't feel overpowered. Spend as much time as possible with your 16 month old to help her overcome the stress of a new place or other changes in her life.
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Help him express his moods in ways other than biting. Teach him to put his emotions in words by telling him, "What you feel when Tom doesn't give you his toy is mad" or "When Nancy and Christiana play with all their friends and not you, you feel sad and lonely." Make him aware of different feelings and encourage him to tell you what he is feeling. Tell him, "You must tell mama when you feel lonely or sad, ok? We can play together then or mama will find you a new friend."
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Teach her different ways of responding to her emotions instead of biting. For example, tell her to hold a pillow or her favorite toy close to her if she is feeling lonely. If she is mad, tell her to scribble hard on a piece of paper or throw a ball hard in an open space such as a garden to release the frustration and anger.
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Avoid yelling or slapping your 16 month old if you find him biting others. Instead, stay calm and first attend to the child or adult who has been bitten. Address your 16 month old and tell him in a no-nonsense tone that his behavior is unacceptable. Explain to your child why biting is not allowed by saying, "When you bite someone, it hurts them. See the marks on Jack's hands. It's a bad habit. Don't do it again." Cuddle with your 16 month old and ensure him that you will not stop loving him even though you are angry with him for biting.
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References
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