Your toddler kicks and bites? Here's How to React

CAIRO, Nov. 8 (SEE) – Kicking and Biting can be very annoying for parents who watch their toddlers doing this while cannot at the same time apply harch punishments for they are still too young to understand.

In this article, “SEE” quoted Angharad Rudkin, Clinical child psychologist, who posted her advises about this matter on babycenter.com

She regarded that kicking and biting are more common than you might think, and can happen for all sorts of reasons. Your toddlers may see it as a way of expressing themselves; if they are still-developing language skills simply aren’t up to the task.

They may feel threatened by another child or overwhelmed by a situation, and lash out when they don’t have the words to describe how they feel.

Some toddlers even bite as a way of showing love. You may find that an affectionate nip comes your way occasionally, especially if your toddler is overexcited.

Kicking and biting can also be a useful tool for getting your attention. So how you react to your toddlers when they lash out can be helpful in teaching them what behavior is acceptable and unacceptable.

Although it can be difficult not to react angrily, try to remain as calm as possible if your toddlers kick or bite. In a calm yet firm tone of voice, using simple terms that they can understand, explain why kicking and biting are not acceptable. You could say, "When you bite Sarah, it hurts her and makes her feel sad."

It may take a while for the message to sink in. But by repeating the message briefly and firmly each time they do the same, you can gradually help your toddlers understand how their actions affect others.

If your toddlers continue to kick or bite, gently hold them to prevent them from hurting themselves or others. Or you may prefer to remove them from the situation completely, at least until they calm down.

Once the episode is over, talk to your toddlers to try to find out if anything in particular is making them cross. If they are unable to come up with their own reasons for their actions, you could offer options. For example, "Maybe you felt cross because someone wanted to play with the same toy as you" or, "Maybe you felt cross because you're tired or hungry". By doing this, you'll help them to understand the link between their feelings and their behavior.

Depending on how old your toddler is, it may be possible to teach other ways to express emotions. For example, you could show them how to make an angry face, or stamp their foot when they feel frustrated. Or simply saying"I feel angry" instead of kicking or biting.

Toddlers learn a lot from watching their parents, so always try to treat your littles as you'd like them to treat others.

One of the best ways to discourage unacceptable behavior, is to focus on giving lots of praise when your toddlers behave well. This will show them that playing nicely is a much better way to get your attention than acting out.

With time, your toddler should gradually learn that kicking and biting are unacceptable, and grow out of it. If they continue, and you're finding it a struggle, you can ask your health visitor for more advice and tips on dealing with it.