A Letter to You

Friday, May 8, 2009

Biting.

It's a BAD BAD Habit. And my two-year old just can't seem to drop it. When he's playing with other kids and there is (inevitably) a struggle over some object whether toy or tool... my son doesn't talk about it - he just bites the kid's hand or arm. The other kid always lets go. Works every time!

What. The. Heck!

I have spanked him. Flipped his mouth. Put him in the corner. Put him on my lap. Talked to him about not biting. I've even bit him back! I've taken away privileges. I've taken away his toys. I've put him in his room...

He still bites. In fact, the reason I'm writing is this is because about 5 minutes ago he bit his brother for now reason! I am so sick of him biting! He started biting about 8 months ago, and maybe it's been all the change that triggered it - but holy guacamole. I'm losing my mind. Not only is it a bad habit, it's embarrassing!! Mom's are mostly understanding, but it's still awkward!

HELP!!

6 comments:

Anonymous said...

Try putting something bitter in his mouth when he bites. So it leaves a 'bad taste' so to speak. I bet the stuff for thumb suckers would work.

Just an idea.

The change probably is the cause. I moved tons with my oldest and she had the worst temper problems. My other three have been better but the moves are down to every 3 years now :)

Nai said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Nai said...

I bit my dad once, he bit back and that was it for my biting phase as a toddler. When my little cousin took a chunk out of my hand (I was 9, he 2) good ol dad picked him up and made him do his time out INSIDE THE DOG HOUSE. He said stright up, "you want to bite like a dog, you get treated like the dog". That worked for him.

Doubt this would help, but just wanted you to know that the little monkey isnt the only biter out there, and my cousin and I turned out just fine once it was nipped in the bud.

Alicia said...

I think I'll try Wasabe. He wont like that. I'll let you know how it goes. (yes, I know - it's not bitter - it's torture. But he's got Japanese... maybe he'll like it?!)

HeaddaMarie said...

Izzy has been biting too...not a lot thank goodness. She started biting since she got bit at Valeri's that one time! Not happy!! I flick her in the mouth when she bites me. Not sure if it works or not cause she still bites but it is sporadic, so we'll see.

Elise said...

Oh, I'm sorry! This is a toughie. I'm glad we haven't hit this stage yet. He couldn't be doing it for attention, could he? I could see my Everett doing it for that reason. Anyway, I'm sure you'll figure something out. You're a great mom! I can't wait to hear how the wasabi goes.