My 2 yr old bites himself. Is this normal or a symptom of an under lying problem?

Question

He rarely bites others. I try and ignore it when he does but it is very hard to ignore. I am very concerned about it and I need to know if it is a normal phase.

Answer 1

My daughter went through a phase around 18 months where she bit herself, other people, and other things (the sofa, toys, etc.)

I think she was teething, but she also did it if she was frustrated.  I started asking her if she needed a "chewy toy" when I saw her do it (teething ring), and that usually helped.  

He might be getting his molars, or he might just be experimenting with what happens when he bites himself.  "Hmm.  Look.  I made dents on my skin."

Answer 2

It's normal, my son does it all the time, He knows better not to bite, but I think he throws a tantrum and does it cause he is mad.Think about what ways you would deal with your anger if you couldn't voice your opinion, or explain how you feel? we go thru that and we are adults.Imagine being young and not able to be understood?Try to be patient, and go to him when he bites himself and pull his hand away and tell him "We don't bite" at least he understands nott to bite other people and thats good he is learning and you need to teach him better ways to deal with his anger. Like distract him, pick him up and rock him till he stops or make him laugh , take his mind off being mad.:) hope I helped

Answer 3

Its normal in a sense he's testing his pain limits. My oldest did the same thing . I took her to the doc and she said the first time she bites herself and it really hurts she will stop. Its normal. And one time he will bit himself and it IT WILL HURT. and he will stop.

Answer 4

its not normal

Answer 5

seek help bfore dilan and eric are unleashed on another high school.(

Answer 6

its pretty normal   hes testing out how his body works, with pain and such, he also may be expressing frustration in the best way he knows how, he will outgrow it  :)

Answer 7

It is an attention getting ploy, designed for him to get his way.  It's part of "The Terrible Twos"  Ignore it. because if you don't he will be in control and then it will escalate.