When it comes to the biting phase in toddlers, let’s be honest—it’s a tough journey. As a parent who has experienced both sides, I can confidently say that being the parent of the child who bites is far more distressing than that of the one being bitten.
Take, for example, when my son, Ethan, was just a year old. He came home from daycare with a dreaded incident report stating he had been bitten. Like any concerned parent, I panicked at first. My mind raced with thoughts like, “What kind of monster would bite my baby?” After a moment of clarity, I realized that biting is a common behavior among toddlers. Ethan was perfectly fine, and even years later, he has no memory of those events.
Fast forward to a few weeks ago, and I received a call about a new biting incident—this time involving my daughter, Mia. My sweet, cheerful Mia had taken a bite out of another child not once, but four times in just ten days, prompting a call from her teacher about “next steps.” Oh great.
Once again, I was horrified, but this time it felt even worse. I couldn’t help but internalize it. Was this a reflection of my parenting skills? Was Mia destined for a life of aggression? Such thoughts spiraled through my mind, sending me into a frenzy over what it might mean for her future.
After a couple of glasses of wine to calm my nerves, I reminded myself that this behavior is relatively normal. As noted on various parenting resources, including this excellent guide on home insemination and pregnancy, biting often occurs during teething (check!) and when kids lack the vocabulary to express their feelings (check!).
Now, we’ve enjoyed a bite-free couple of weeks, but I still feel a twinge of anxiety whenever my phone rings. I might even have you sign a waiver before any playdates to inform you of the potential risks of spending time with my child, but overall, we’re managing quite well.
And if you happen to be the parent of Mia’s bitee, I sincerely apologize—your child must have the sweetest skin!
In summary, the biting phase is a challenging yet common aspect of toddlerhood. While it can be distressing for parents, it’s important to remember that it is often a normal part of development. If you’re looking for more insights on this topic, check out this informative article on the subject.