Children older than 2 who still bite are showing you that they can't communicate or manage their feelings well or are under too much stress. Human bites are dangerous as they can cause serious infections. A child who bites is also likely to be rejected by peers and adults, and may be expelled from daycare or preschool. First you need to figure out what situations result in biting and try to fix the cause. Sometimes biting is because the child is not getting enough to eat, or enough sleep, or is overwhelmed by other kids, often at daycare or preschool. Children who are spanked, hit, or screamed at as punishment for things they do wrong are more likely to become aggressive, including biting. A child who has been bitten is more likely to bite others when they are angry or want something. Children who are delayed in speaking may bite out of frustration and inability to negotiate for what they want. If your child can't yet speak in phrases and let you know their needs you should get a speech evaluation. If your child is behind in skills ask the doctor for an assessment. If your child is just behind the other kids s/he plays with and frustrated by that you may need to find other playmates or another daycare where s/he can keep up. Even siblings who are more advanced can be challenging to a young child enough to cause them to be aggressive. If this is the time your child bites, you need to talk to the older siblings about how to include your child better or arrange times for him/her to play with children of similar abilities. Besides adjusting your child's environment you need to have a plan to end this behavior. Some children bite for attention, even if it is punishment. Make sure you are watching for when your child needs help or just to be noticed and give it promptly when s/he is not being aggressive. At the moment your child bites, say 'No biting! Biting hurts!' and put the child in time out then comfort the person who was bitten. Too much attention to biting can increase it. Children will also bite if they are on edge because of tension, shouting or violence at daycare, school or at home. This kind of stress can cause serious lifetime emotional and health problems. If the environment is something you can change, you need to do it. If the problem is in your home and you need help solving it please ask your doctor. If these solutions are not working do not bite or hit your child as these increase aggression, ask your doctor for suggestions.
