The Imperfect Community

[momofelyse2004]

My 16th month old is smacking me and biting me now. I have tried just about everything. I might have the biting thing under control but she is still hitting and smacking. She rarely does it to anyone else but ALWAYS to me. Got any suggestions?
Rachael

[Rebecca_R]

I dunno! My 13 month old bites me for attention. He wants to be picked up, so he walks right over and bites me out of nowhere. Then when I say "aaron NO!" he laughs and thinks that's funny. So I stopped doing that figuring he does it because he loves that reaction. But if I walk out of the room and ignore the biting, he starts to cry. Weird child.

[honeybee]

LOL, Owen does that biting me thing too. Now, if I'm in the kitchen and he toddles up and hugs my legs I jump a mile in the air in anticipation of the big chomp.

Rachael, I think the hitting thing is sorta the same thing. My Owen is 16mo too, and along with the biting he hits and pulls my hair. When I tell him "no-no, that hurts" he disolves into a bit fit of giggles.

You can try redirecting her...you know, if she's hitting you, take her hand and guide it to a toy or book. Or show her how to clap her hands and say, "hands are for clapping, not hitting". It doesn't work for us, but I'm sure that's what you are 'supposed to do' .

[DietCokeHead]

We've got one of those little beasts too! She doesnt do it often but if she is mad, look out! I just tell her NO very firmly and plunk her down if I am holding her when she does it. If she does the sneaky leg bite then I get down in her face and tell her NO BITING and walk away from her.

[Jessica]

Graham hits when he gets frustrated or he doesn't want to leave the house etc., I simply say in a very firm voice, "No hitting", and I grab his little hands firmly. Then I ignore the behavior and either set him down or carry on on, doing as I'm doing. I never allow him to manipulate using that tactic and he usually get the picture.

My mom used to always say the only way to stop a biter is to bite them back, but that seems kinda mean. I know of other moms who say the same thing, but I'm not sure if they've ever put it to practise.

[momofelyse2004]

Well, I tried something tonight. She bit me again and I pretended to cry very hard, told her that was naughty & NO biting in a firm voice. She was extremely upset but after about 1 minute, I was laying on the couch ignoring her and she walked up and planted the sweetest kiss ever on my lips. Melted me into butter right then and there...still complete with a big fat tear rolling down her face. *big sigh* God, I love her.

[Rebecca_R]

Rachel,
I think that is a good idea! It helps to communicate to them that biting hurts. They just don't get it, I think, which is why they start biting in the first place. It just *feels* good to them to bite. Aaron's trying to bite my leg right now (he wants me to pick him up, but he's not crying or fussing) so I start shaking my leg up and down really quickly. He laughs and walks away.

[momofelyse2004]

It is not going well ladies. She is not biting or smacking others now but she does it to me daily. I don't want to be a yeller, so I am just getting frustrated cause she won't listen or change. I guess this is a phase, but I surely hope she catches on soon.

[DietCokeHead]

Does she like being in a pack and play? If not, I would use it as a place to put her down alone after she hits or bites. Then go about your business for a few minutes where she can still see you but not get to you. These phases can SUCK!! Sorry.

[Jessica]