How to stop a two and a half year old boy from biting?

[themalster]

Hi guys,

It's slightly different to the lady who has a biting two year old.

My son (2 and a half) only seems to bite at nursery. He's been told off by the workers there but he still does it on average a couple of times a week. Obviously this embarrasses my wife and I but we aren't there to really discipline him and he can't talk yet so doesn't understand the consequences of his biting, when he is told off by the workers.

At the parents evening, we were told he prefers mixing in smaller groups of childern as opposed to big groups. Could this have an effect as he has moved up a class and only 3 other kids from his previous class have joined him. He is the youngest in his class.

Does anyone have any suggestions as to how to curb the biting?

Thanks in advance

[B00]

He can't talk yet? Nothing??

As for the biting I'm sure it's just a phase, most of them go through them. Are the nursery staff concerned? If not, i'd let it go to be honest, he'll soon grow out of it. Mine used to smack our faces, usually with whatever she had in her hands at the time- now that did hurt!

[LoftyLottie]

I can sort of understand the not talking. It can happen. Some kids are slow to start off and don't begin talking until they are almost three sometimes. But they do understand what others are saying to them and if they are being told off. If he really can't talk, and, more importantly, can't understand I would seriously suggest you take some professional advice.

[themalster]

He does say words, not full sentences.

They say that he isn't the first and certainly won't be the last. But mostly they tell us how loving and affectionate he is and that they are surprised that he does it.

Like i said he doesn't bite us, or any other family member, it's only at nursery.

[themalster]

Lofty Lottie, he does understand when he is being told off so that isn't an issue. He just doesn't understand the consequences of his biting.

[B00]

Could just be an attention thing.

At home, he obviously has your undivided attention, at nursery though, when he's trying to communicate with his little friends- he (to them) can't compete with the Thomas the Tank Engine clutched in their little pugdy hands- so he chows down on them ;-)

I honestly wouldn't let it concern you. If it becomes a problem at nursery they'll let you know, don't worry.

[brenda]

What do you mean --at the parents evening -- for a 21/2 year old ? Has the world gone completely mad ????

[themalster]

Well, i say parents evening, it was more an informal chat as to how he has been getting on.

[LoftyLottie]

Sorry themalster for the misunderstanding but the second para of your question read that he doesn't understand because he cant talk. However, even a 2.5 year old knows full well that biting hurts. It is quite common that toddlers bite. Perhaps he is too young to be going to nursery school at the moment. Do nursery school's really have 'classes'. Incredible. I'm personally glad that nursery schools weren't really about much when I had a young family. Toddler and play groups suited kids just fine!

[redcrx]

not really classes, lottie, our nursery has 2 different rooms for different age groups. Parents evenings are to discuss the childs needs and and concerns parents or teachers have about development etc.

themalster, my little one (aged 2 ) starts today and she can be a biter when shes frustrated too.

Your child's keyworker ought to be able to offer advice and tell you how they deal with it, as im sure they are well used to having biting children in the nursery

[LoftyLottie]

Thanks Red. 'Classes' sounds just wrong!! Still preferred the days of toddler groups and playgroups though. I'm not criticising, just not convinced about nursery schools and pleased I never had to use one!

[redcrx]

they are pretty much like toddler groups though. Lots of playing, singing, fresh air, trips to parks etc etc.
I suppose its easier to say classes, but it does make it sound like school, rather than anything else. preschool starts at age 3

[LoftyLottie]

Well to be honest, I really liked going on all the outings with my toddler along with all the other Mums and a few Dads. I loved the days when I had all the kids in the village round in the garden (we took turns) and I loved being with my son more than anything else in the world. I never missed work one bit and we lived hand to mouth. I am just an old fogey. (I went back to work when little one started school at 4 and worked until 3 years ago, non stop).

[LoftyLottie]

And I have to admit, rightly or wrongly, my son was only every looked after by my friends or my close family. I couldn't have left him with paid helpers.

I stress, this isn't a criticism.

[redcrx]

lol i know, lottie :)