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CHILD GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT * 1 HOURS * LEVEL 2

Ouch! Infant and Toddler Biting

Biting Crisis

Page 8
There can be times when there seems to be an unusually high amount of biting incidents in the classroom. This may be with multiple children or frequency of incidents with the same child. If this occurs it is usually due to an underlying cause. Yes, toddler biting is common and completely normal, but there should not be a spike in biting incidents that involve many children for no obvious reason. A biting crises may occur when there are major changes within the program or if caregiver reactions and mediation are inappropriate.

Parents may suggest that the caregiver “bite her back.” 
DON'T.  
Biting a child back does not stop the child from biting, it only shows him that you can and will hurt them; and may actually increase the child’s biting activity. Though parents may do this at home, it is against the guidelines and is considered corporal punishment. You could be fired, come under CPS scrutiny or sued by a parent.
Some considerations to make if a biting epidemic occurs:
  • Evaluate the staff responses to this behavior. A simple change in collective responses may solve the problem.
  • Watch over a child who is likely to be bitten. Anticipate the biting situations and teach responses that minimize the chance of becoming a victim.
  • Help make the children feel secure. Look for ways to promote the children’s sense of security and stability.
  • If appropriate, transition the child to another room. Consider early transition of children stuck in a biting behavior pattern to a changed environment if developmentally appropriate and allowed by licensing.
  • Help all children get more involved in the program. Look for ways to engage children more effectively in the environment by looking at the choices available and the number of toys and materials
  • Balance active times with quiet times. Look for ways to calm children after periods of excitement with: relaxed transitions, calming music, and calming physical contact with caregivers. 
  • Group children to avoid biting. Analyze grouping children to avoid combinations that may lead to conflict or biting. 
  • Have others observe the biting epidemic. If necessary, bring in outside observers to help you analyze the entire situation, not just the biters
  • Meet with the director or lead staff members to develop a plan to prevent and curb biting in the program.
Parents should be informed if their child is biting or has been bitten. Be sure to follow center and licensing guidelines when it comes to reporting these incidents. Biting epidemics can and do occur and should be thwarted in whatever ways possible. Through diligent staff preparation and commitment to preventing undesired behaviors things should improve.
Hanging on During a Biting Crisis

Sometimes nothing works, and children grow out of it or leave the program. Doing all of the above should help alleviate or shorten the crisis. Maintaining good relationships with parents during a biting epidemic requires all the trust and goodwill built up by good program practice before biting ever occurs. 
Confidentiality
Please note that you must follow confidentiality rules when it comes to biting.  If a child is bitten, you may not tell their parents which child bit them.  You are required to be discrete, and professional.

Always know and follow all child care licensing regulations, and the child care program policies.