By: Sarah Mitchell
The biting phase in children is undeniably challenging. As a parent who has experienced both sides of the biting equation, I can confidently assert that being the parent of the one doing the biting is far more distressing than that of the child being bitten.
When my son, Ethan, was around one year old, I received a shocking report from daycare: he had been bitten. Like many first-time mothers, I was horrified. My initial reaction was over-the-top: “Call the authorities! My child is in danger!” However, after a moment of clarity, I realized that biting is a common occurrence among young children, and thankfully, Ethan was unharmed. To this day, he has no memory of the incident—thank goodness for that!
Fast forward to a few weeks ago when I got the dreaded call again. This time, however, it was my daughter Mia who was the biter. Yes, my sweet, cheerful Mia had bitten another child in her class—not once, but four times in just ten days—prompting a call from the director regarding necessary “action steps.”
My reaction was much stronger this time, filled with anxiety and self-doubt. Was this a reflection of my parenting skills? Was Mia on the path to a life of aggression? I let my mind wander to worst-case scenarios. After calming my nerves with a glass—or two—of wine, I reminded myself that this behavior is typical. As I discovered through various sources, including Google and experienced parents around my office, biting often occurs during teething (check!) and when children lack the vocabulary to express their feelings (check!).
It’s been a couple of weeks without any biting incidents, but I can’t shake the unease every time my phone rings. I find myself considering a waiver for playdates, warning other parents of the potential risks of playtime with Mia. If you happen to be the parent of a child who has fallen victim to my daughter’s biting, I sincerely apologize—your child must just taste delightful.
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In summary, the biting phase is a common yet distressing part of early childhood development, and as parents, we must navigate it with understanding and patience.