Two year old bites- What can I do?

Question

I have a 13 year old son, a 2 year old son, and 3.5 year old daughter. My daughter went through the whole terrible twos, but her stage ended just as my youngest son's started. She never bit because my son was really too little to do things to her that would instigate fights (and not all toddlers bite anyways). A few months ago, my son started biting any time he got frustrated with my daughter (which is OFTEN). I stay at home with my kids, so I feel like I can't even leave the room they are playing in because my son might bite my daughter. For instance, he bit her 3 times today when I turned my back for a moment!

I've tried a very diligent time out punishment which meant putting him in his room every 5 minutes. I've tried popping him, which seems counter productive. I've tried being patient. I've tried being stern. I've even cried with my daughter out of pure frustration.

It seems he does it when he's bored and not completely engaged by me. But, honestly, how can I possibly engage him all day? I mean, there are so many things that have to be done in a day and as it is, I'm afraid to leave the room to go start a load of laundry!

I consider myself a good mom. I have 3 kids. They are turning out beautifully, and I have few regrets. But, tell me, am I doing something wrong with this little guy?

Answer 1

Biting is a frustrating behavior. Often a toddler does this when they are frustrated. When your child bites. Use a firm loud voice and say No, BITING HURTS. Then place him in timeout for a few minutes.Place him somewhere you can see him, and he as n access to toys or anything fun. If you are persistent this will pay off.  

Answer 2

My nephew went through a phase of this, so I know what you're going through!  No, you're not doing anything wrong, many kids just want to test their limits and see what they can get away with.  When he bites, grab his hands HARD (not so hard that you hurt him, but just to get his attention).  Ask him, do you want your sissy to have an owwie?  Do you like owwies?  More than likely, if you have his attention, he will say no.  Be sure you have his attention when you say this though.  If he doesn't answer, say HEY loudly, not yelling, just say it loudly, or you can say his name loudly.  Then ask him the question again until you get an answer.  He needs to understand that it is a serious no-no to bite his sister.  If he is acting like it's a joke or not taking it seriously, bite his hand!  Don't do it so that it will really hurt him, just more shock him.  Ask him, did that hurt?  He will more than likely cry or say yes.  Tell him, if you don't want a bite, don't bite your sister!  This worked with my nephew, now he only bites VERY occassionally, and afterwards, he catches himself and says sorry right away.  Good luck, and I hope this works!

Answer 3

You could try biting him back. Not hard, just enough to get his attention. When you do it, you have to ask him if he likes it. If he doesn't, then explain to him the best you can that its not nice to bite, and since he doesn't like it, others don't like it either.

This probably isn't the best way to do it. You could try other methods like putting soap in his mouth to clean the germs from biting.

I guess what i am getting at is do something negative, but harmless to him that he won't like.

Time outs might work if you don't put him in his room. He can play there. Put him in a place he can't do anything.

Either that, or wait it out.  

Answer 4

He will probably grow out of it. But in the mean time get your oldest son to help out looking after them. Keep up the punishments and never make it look like its ok to hurt other people.

Hope this helps.