What to do when your child bites someone else
Listen to the “What Do We Use Our Teeth For?” song
It can feel upsetting—and maybe even embarrassing—when your child bites another person, whether it’s a playmate, a sibling, a caregiver, or you. But they really aren’t trying to hurt anyone. When a young child resorts to biting, they’re usually just overwhelmed by emotions and don’t have the words to express how they feel.
Learning how to cope with big feelings is a complicated process that takes time and practice. Just as you teach your child how to eat with utensils or get dressed on their own, you can help them learn to manage their frustration, anger, and other intense emotions without biting or acting out physically.
Explain that feelings are okay, but biting isn’t
You can say, “It’s okay to be mad, but it isn’t okay to bite. Biting hurts.” This validates your child’s emotions while setting a clear boundary for their behavior.
If your child bites a playmate, show them how to express concern
Instead of forcing your child to apologize, help them comfort the person they hurt: “Biting made your friend feel sad. They’re crying. Let’s see if we can make it better.” Young children are still learning to understand how others feel and experience the world—experts refer to this as “perspective taking.” You can help your child make this connection by explaining how biting hurts and makes someone else feel sad.
Show them other ways of handling emotions
Even adults struggle sometimes to handle big feelings in healthy ways. One effective way to help your child is through co-regulation, or showing them how to manage emotions by doing it together. You might stay close, hug your child, or model deep breathing.
Talk about strategies for calming their body
The physical sensations of anger and frustration—faster breathing, pounding heart, muscle tightness—can feel overwhelming to a young child. During a quiet moment, talk about strategies for calming their body when they’re upset. For example:
- Taking deep breaths
- Squeezing a pillow
- Jumping up and down
Help them use the words for their feelings
The Emotion Match Mirror & Cards Set from The Enthusiast Play Kit is designed to help your child recognize and name emotions—a big step toward building empathy. Exploring emotions in a playful way is an opportunity to have simple but important conversations: “This is how I look when I’m angry” or “What are some things you do when you’re frustrated?”
Try to stay calm in the moment
Biting can feel like a big deal when it happens, and it’s natural to react in a big way. But the most effective way to help your child manage their emotions is to model strategies for staying calm. Remember that biting is a very common behavior in young children and doesn’t reflect your parenting or your child’s character.
Reconnect
Reconnecting with you is a key part of moving forward after a biting incident. Your child needs to know that you’re there to support them even when they get upset or angry. Reestablish this connection by offering a hug, reading a book, making a snack, or playing a game together.
More expert advice
In this episode of our “My New Life” podcast, Lovevery CEO Jessica Rolph talks with educational specialist Chazz Lewis, also known as “Mr. Chazz,” about simple ways to co-regulate emotions with a toddler.
Co-regulating emotions with Mr. Chazz – My New Life
Stage-based guidance
Kicking, biting, and hitting: Here’s what to know about understanding and responding to your toddler when big emotions come out in physical reactions.
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About Lovevery: Stage-based play for your child’s developing brain
Wouldn’t it be nice if parenthood came with an instruction manual? Our award-winning Play Kits support your child’s growth and development at every stage with expert-designed playthings for ages 0 to 5. The Play Kits are paired with an app and parent guide that offer week-by-week and toy-by-toy guidance.
More to explore from Lovevery
The Enthusiast Play Kit
The Enthusiast Play Kit will help lead the way through purposeful play. Each of the playthings will help your child understand shapes, practice balance, play pretend, and develop fine motor skills.
Learn moreThe New Sibling Course Pack
This Course Pack includes tools that help your older child process their feelings, learn to safely play with the new baby, and understand ways they can help.
Learn morePosted in: 4-year-old, 3-year-old, 2-year-old, Social Emotional
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