Preventing Biting Behavior

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Caregivers are typically aware of common biting behaviors, but can often be at a loss when it comes to preventing these behaviors. The first step in prevention is to analyze the situation surrounding the biting incident.

Some important things to consider when analyzing:

• Where was the child when the activity occurred?
• What was the child doing?
• What occurred directly prior to the bite?
• Is the same child biting/getting bitten?
• Are there any trends in the biting activity?

​If you begin to notice a trend in biting behavior you can begin to prevent the behavior. For example, if a child is biting around the same time of day, they may be tired or hungry causing them to feel frustrated and to bite as a result. In this situation you may try to adjust the nap schedule accordingly so that the child has a rest period when it is best for them. If a child is biting as a result of a specific action such as hair pulling, toy snatching, or hitting, caregivers should work closely to mediate those problems and prevent them from happening in the first place.   

Caregivers and child care professionals should pay close attention to the incidents as well as the factors that surround the event. If there are trends and similarities between biting events and biters it should be noted and every effort made to prevent it. This may include a slight change in schedule or a small distraction. Another important prevention factor is to avoid an overreaction when the biting behavior occurs as this often influences a reoccurrence.  

Course Navigation Menu

​1. Course Agenda
2. Ouch!​
3. Why Do Children Bite?
4. Biting Causes (1/7)
5. Preventing Biting Behavior
6. ABC Chart
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7. Behavior Patterns​ (2/7)
8. How to Make your Own ABC Chart
9. Scenario 1 (3/7)
10. Scenario 1 (4/7)
11. Scenario 2 (5/7)
12. Scenario 2 (6/7)
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​13. Using ABC Chart to Prevent Biting 
14. Reacting to Biting Behavior
15. Biting Epidemics
16. Children’s Books About Biting
17. End of Course Quiz
18. Course Evaluation Form​
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