What could cause a very verbal non abused 4 yr old to impulsively bite in situations? It is not random biting it is to get what they want. Still very unacceptable and dangerous?
Are there specialists we need to see? There is no developmental delay. There was biting in the past but had subsided for almost a year. We are at a new center. But this is way to old for this nonsense. |
Is there a pattern to the biting? Like biting out of anger?
Read the Kazdin Method. Praise for showing appropriate behaviors in trigger situations. If you have trouble implementing Kazdin yourself KKI's out patient Behavioral Clinic in Columbia MD is excellent. If it truly seems random, I'd see a therapist. Your pediatrician can recommend one. |
Thanks. KKI saw nothing. Will read kazdin ASAP. It's is biting out of territory and "I'm right". Which is usually true... It's a failure to understand you don't always get your own way. And biting should not be the go to. I want to give up. |
Please don"t give up, OP. While I understand that this is not horribly abnormal behavior for a child, my DD was bitten by a four year old and at ten years old she still has the scar on her arm. Please take this very seriously. |
My very verbal 3 yr old started biting once he started preschool. He would bite if someone got too close to him, touched him unexpectedly, yelled too close to him, etc. Preschool was very overstimulating for him. Years later, he was diagnosed with ADHD. |
+1 While I have empathy for your situation, OP, I do not want my child bitten. Please get help for your child and come up with a solution to stop it. |
How much sleep does he get?
What is his consequence for biting? |
I'd spread some Tabasco on my forearm and let him have at it. |
Different part of KKI. I'm referring to the behavioral psychology unit: http://www.kennedykrieger.org/patient-care/patient-care-programs/outpatient-programs/behavioral-psychology-outpatient-programs and specifically the behavior management clinic: http://www.kennedykrieger.org/patient-care/patient-care-programs/outpatient-programs/behavior-management-clinic It's not for evaluation or getting a diagnosis. You can go short term for specific behavioral issues for kids. If Columbia is too far, there are behavioral therapists closer in. I really like KKI though b/c give you, the parent, very specific feedback. I learned a lot and felt better prepared. |
Biting out of anger/territoriality isn't out of the range of "normal," but certainly most kids are out of the biting stage by four. Definitely something you want to take very seriously, as it's obviously unacceptable and kids can do real damage at this age. I'd start with your pediatrician for a referral. I second the recommendation for Kazdin, but I think it's worth getting some professional assistance, especially if this is something new. |
This, OP. None of us want our child to be your child's next victim. Please get help. |
Have you talked to his pediatrician? |
Does the fact that you are asking this mean that you are not punishing the child for the behavior? What is the consequence? |
No it doesn't PP. Can't you read? |
Maybe treat it as a behavioral issue instead of a medical one and see if you can solve it at home without medical advice. Next time it happens, pop the kid on the butt and say no very firmly, then put him in his room and tell him he can come out in ten minutes. Might save you several hundred dollars. |