Nipping Biting in the Bud!!

Many people have asked how I stopped Tuki from biting. Well, first let me say she was just biting me whenever we would wrestle and rough house. I think she bit because she was overly excited. She has never, at least not that I am aware of, bit any other kid, or person for that matter.

I also want to say that this method worked for me and I am not advocating it as the method for all parents. But, with saying that, I also do believe every parent needs to find a way to stop inappropriate social behavior, such as biting. Remember I am a school teacher and I see all kinds of behaviors that probably weren't and should have been dealt with at a younger age.

I think I am pretty laid back with Tuks because I feel she needs to explore her world..it is again the science mind in me. Science first begins with curiosity and then exploration for explanation. I have witnessed many ..many people get all concerned with things Tuki plays with that in fact I let her play with it. Oh Yes, I am watching her, but I don't grab every little thing away that MAY be dangerous, (note I am not including any sharp objects in this anything).

With stating this, there are some actions that I react strongly and swiftly to stop them. One is biting. When she would bite me, I first attempted the "no biting", holding her hands, look her in the face etc., route..did no good. She would just get that "great I got a reaction from Mama, I'm going in for another bite" look, and yes indeedy, she'd bite me again. So, I decided that I needed to up the anty, and so when she would bite, I'd take my index and middle finger and tap (note: I said tap, not hit) her in the mouth and strongly say "no bite". This would make her stop and think a second or two, but then again she'd go in again for another bite. My next tap was a little harder and then I would overact and get angry, state again that "biting was naughty" and actually turn away from her, and then walk away..yes, sort of like if you are going to hurt Mama, then Mama doesn't want to play with you anymore. Subject closed, no more discussion. This would usually cause her to cry. This method only took a couple of times to convince her that biting was inappropriate.

I also did this over reacting when she tried to touch the hot stove, I showed her great displeasure, spoke loudly, and really relayed to her that under no circumstance is she to touch the stove, it was never a game to play. She hasn't tried since and she so far hasn't tried to bite me again either.

Take my methods for what they are worth..but please no flames if you don't agree.

What would I do if she was only biting other kids and NOT me, I will have to admit I don't really know since I have not been in that circumstance, and I wouldn't really know unless I found myself having to deal with it.. I know, not much help. Anyone else have ideas in this case???