We understand that receiving reports of biting incidents involving your child can be concerning. As your childcare providers, we aim to address this issue with sensitivity and understanding while providing valuable information to support your child’s development.
Why Do Children Bite?
Biting is a common behaviour observed in young children, particularly in those aged one to three years old. It’s essential to recognise that biting is often a normal part of child development and is not necessarily indicative of a larger problem. Children may bite for various reasons, including:
- Exploration: Young children use their mouths to explore the world around them, and biting might be a way for them to understand cause and effect.
- Communication: For children who are still developing verbal skills, biting can be a means of expressing frustration, anger, or a need for attention.
- Teething: Infants and toddlers may bite as a way to alleviate discomfort associated with teething.
- Emotional Expression: Children may resort to biting when they feel overwhelmed, anxious, or unable to express their emotions effectively.
How our Educators address biting incidents:
When a biting incident occurs at Golden Seeds, our primary goal is to ensure the safety and well-being of all children involved while promoting positive behaviour. Here’s how we work together as a team to support our children when there might be biting incidents:
- Our educators have a quick and positive response, intervening promptly to prevent further harm and comfort the bitten child.
- We communicate openly with parents/guardians of both the child who bit and the child who was bitten, providing detailed incident reports and discussing strategies for addressing the behaviour. Strict confidentiality is maintained at all times to not disclose any names involved.
- Parents are professionally supported and guided on why this may be occurring, we discuss when bites may be occurring, what might be happening at home, any changes we have observed and actively sharing how moving forward together as a team we will implement best strategies to support their child.
- We work with all children involved to teach appropriate ways of expressing emotions and resolving conflicts without resorting to biting. Open communication and simple words about our feelings and expressing our needs are embedded into our day-to-day routine and learning.
- Our educators closely supervise interactions among children and provide guidance and support to help prevent future biting incidents.
Supporting Your Child’s Development:
As parents/guardians, there are several ways you can support your child’s development and address biting behaviour at home. These include, modelling positive behaviour at home. Working together at home with your child and expressing emotions and resolving conflicts positively.
Encourage your child to use words to express their needs, feelings, and frustrations. You can also offer alternative toys for your child’s sensory exploration, such as teething toys or sensory activities.
Always remember to stay calm and be consistent. By responding to biting incidents calmly and consistently will reinforce positive behaviour and sets clear expectations for our little one.
If you have concerns about your child’s biting behaviour or need further assistance in addressing the issue, please don’t hesitate to reach out to our Educators at Golden Seeds for support and guidance. We’re here to work together with you to promote your child’s healthy development and well-being.
