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10 Realities Only Parents of Biters Truly Grasp
As parents, we celebrate countless milestones in our children’s lives, but “Baby’s First Bite” (at 2½) typically isn’t one of them. There’s no cute chalkboard for my son to pose with, nor will anyone be hashtagging it on social media. The shame feels too private, too isolating, and I find myself reluctant to share.
Yes, my son has a biting habit. If your child isn’t a biter, you might not fully comprehend this struggle. You may cast disapproving glances when your little one is hurt, but you have no idea how deeply that look stings. Your eyes communicate, “You’re a terrible parent for allowing this,” reinforcing my insecurities about my parenting abilities.
You don’t see the tears I’ve shed over this issue or the fear that my child will end up friendless, forever an outcast. At just 2½, I worry that this behavior might define his future, and I feel utterly unprepared to guide him through it.
Deep down, I know he won’t be a biter forever. It’s usually a developmental phase, and as he grows, this behavior will likely fade (before he moves on to the stage where he insists he’s a dinosaur and will only eat from a bowl). However, parenting a child who bites comes with its own set of trials. Here are 10 things that only parents of biters can truly relate to:
- Playdates Skyrocket Your Anxiety
You might appear overprotective as you hover nearby, but it’s not about safety—it’s about being ready to intervene before your child makes a move. - Avoid Warning Clothing
It’s best to skip shirts with sharks or funny phrases like “I bite” when around other kids. What’s cute on one child can seem alarming on a biter. Halloween? Forget about costumes involving zombies or vampires. - A School Call Can Derail Your Day
When the school calls, it feels like a punch to the gut. You scramble to pick up your child, all the while imagining how to placate them (and maybe treat yourself to some cookies along the way). - Everyone Has Unwanted Advice
And guess what? None of it seems to work. - Future Orthodontic Bills
Those bite marks on your arm? You can’t help but wonder if they’ll need braces someday. - Your Child Looks Awful in Orange
While it might just be a phase, you start to worry that your child is heading toward a label of “problem child.” Friends and family might even start suggesting you save for bail money instead of college. - Nursing is Absolutely Over
Let’s be real—ouch. - Creative Solutions Cross Your Mind
You might ponder extreme measures, like removing baby teeth or even considering a puppy cone for your child. Desperate times call for desperate measures, right? - You Become a Child Detective
With every incident, you gather clues—what triggered the bite, who was present? The more data you collect, the more puzzled you become. Toddlers are not as predictable as they seem. - And Yet, You Adore Your Little Monster
Through it all, you see the goodness in him and hope that others can, too. Someday, this phase will pass, right? (Please let it be true!)
For more insights on parenting challenges, check out this post on Home Insemination Kit.
In summary, parenting a child who bites comes with unique struggles that can feel isolating. From navigating playdates to receiving unsolicited advice, it’s a journey filled with ups and downs, but love for your little one remains steadfast throughout.