November 14, 2023
Let’s face it: the phase where your child takes on the role of the biter is a tough one. Having experienced both sides—my son being bitten and my daughter doing the biting—I can confidently say that being the parent of the child who bites is far more challenging.
When my son Noah was around 1, I received that dreaded incident report from daycare stating he had been bitten. Like any concerned mom, I was initially horrified, imagining the worst as I thought, “Should I call the authorities? My child is under attack!” After that panic subsided, I realized that biting is a common occurrence among toddlers, and luckily, Noah was unscathed. Even now, he doesn’t remember the incidents at all.
Fast forward to a few weeks ago, and I found myself on the other end of the spectrum. My daughter Ava had been biting her classmates—not just once, but four times in ten days. This warranted a call from the daycare director to discuss “steps we could take.” Great.
This time, my horror felt amplified. I found myself spiraling, questioning everything about my parenting. Was this behavior a sign of something more serious? Was Ava destined for a life of chaos? While I knew these thoughts were overreactions, it’s hard not to spiral when it comes to your kids and their behavior.
After a moment of panic and a couple of glasses of wine, I reminded myself that this is actually a normal stage. Experts, along with reliable sources like Alcohol: What Nursing Moms Should Know and Intrauterine Insemination (IUI), suggest that biting often occurs during teething or when children lack the vocabulary to express their feelings. Thankfully, we’ve enjoyed a two-week stretch without any biting incidents, although I still feel a sense of dread every time my phone rings, fearing yet another report of Ava’s antics.
I may even ask other parents to sign a waiver before playdates, just so they know what they’re getting into. But for the most part, I think we’re navigating this phase quite well. And to any parent whose child has been on the receiving end of Ava’s bites, I sincerely apologize—clearly, your little one must taste delicious.
For more tips on parenting challenges, be sure to check out our post about home insemination kits for helpful insights.
Summary:
Navigating the biting stage of toddlerhood can be daunting for parents. Having experienced both sides, it becomes clear that being the parent of a child who bites can lead to more anxiety and self-doubt. However, understanding that biting is a common behavior during certain developmental stages can help ease those concerns. Resources and expert advice can provide guidance on managing these situations effectively.