Biting: What to Do When Your Child is Biting Others

Originally shared via Kebudel by Angela Bush, Head Teacher at Sunnynook Private Kindergarten

Biting can be one of the more confronting behaviours to deal with as a parent or educator — especially when your child is the one doing the biting. At Sunnynook Private Kindergarten, we see this as a normal part of development in the early years and approach it with empathy, understanding, and clear communication.

This post, originally shared on Kebudel, was written by our Head Teacher, Angela Bush, to help parents navigate the tricky emotions and questions that often arise when biting happens.

Why Does Biting Happen?

Biting is actually very common in toddlers and preschoolers. While it can feel alarming, it’s usually a phase that passes with time and support. Children may bite because:

• They’re teething or exploring the world with their mouths

• They don’t yet have the language to express frustration, anger, or overstimulation

• They’re seeking attention or trying to assert control

• They’re responding to a situation where they feel overwhelmed

Understanding why your child is biting is the first step to managing the behaviour with compassion and intention.

What We Do at Sunnynook

At Sunnynook Private Kindergarten, we take a consistent, calm, and developmentally appropriate approach to biting. Here’s how we handle it:

• Immediate safety comes first – we attend to the child who has been bitten and ensure all children feel safe and supported.

• We respond calmly – shouting or shaming doesn’t help. Instead, we use clear, firm language like “biting hurts – we use gentle hands.”

• We observe closely – our experienced teaching team watches for patterns or triggers to help identify the root cause of the behaviour.

• We partner with parents – open, non-judgmental communication is key. We’ll share what we’re seeing and offer ideas for supporting your child at home.

What You Can Do at Home

Angela recommends the following tips for parents:

1. Stay calm and consistent – even when biting happens in front of others.

2. Use simple language – “I can see you’re angry, but we don’t bite. Biting hurts.”

3. Offer alternatives – such as teething toys or encouraging your child to ask for help with words or gestures.

4. Reinforce positive behaviour – praise gentle hands and kind words.

5. Talk to your child’s teachers – we’re here to help and share what’s working at kindy.

A Developmental Milestone, Not a Life Sentence

It’s important to remember that biting is a normal part of some children’s development. With support and consistency, they grow out of it — often faster than expected. At Sunnynook Private Kindergarten, our goal is always to guide behaviour in a way that supports emotional development and creates a safe, inclusive environment for all.

If you have any questions or concerns, please reach out to Angela or one of our teaching team. We’re here to support you and your child, every step of the way.