How can we respond to a child that's biting?
Step 1
Stay calm, use a lower tone of voice and firmly say 'ouch!' or 'no biting!', keep it short and refrain from shouting.
Step 2
Comfort the victim and allow this to be visible to the biter. If you are the victim, put the biter down on the floor and/or create some distance between you but stay within the biters sight for a few minutes (approx. 1 minute for every year of the child's life, i.e. a 3 and a half year old should be at a distance for approx. 3 minutes).
Step 3
If required, comfort the biter as they may not understand that it hurts to be bitten and may need some reassurance that they are still loved. However, it is important not to over do this and start making a fuss of them. An older toddler may be supported in saying sorry whether this is using words if they can, or a simple hug or touch of hands.
Remember
If the biter is biting to gain attention, it is important not to reinforce the behaviour by giving them lots of attention, instead follow steps 1 and 2 then ignore the biter for a short period of time.