On Sunday we headed to Cooper's 1st birthday who's clever mum had the great idea of having his party at the local kinder. Apparently it didn't cost very much and they had access to the kitchen, all the toys and the outside area. It's a shame it was so hot but the kids didn't seem to mind and had a ball any way. On the way home Piper found the the half melted freddo frog in her goodie bag and thought that it was too good to go to waste. All I was worried about was the mess in the new car.
On a more serious note, I have a problem with a 20 month old child who keeps biting her older sister and just don't know what to do next? I have spoken to maternal health who tell me I am doing the right thing by placing her in her cot for 2 minutes and then getting her to say sorry to her sister with a big kiss and hug, but she just seems to be getting worse? She now breaks the skin and leaves the biggest bruises and these are the 2 latest bites that poor Isabella has received in the last 2 days. I would really appreciate any suggestions as this is really starting to worry me and everything I have tried is not working and I don't want her to go to kinder being known as the "bitey child". HELP!!!
Also I would just like to wish my sister Helen all the best for her surgery tomorrow. Just keep thinking positive as it is nearly over. Love ya. xxx
Talk soon.
Caroline
I have a son who did the same thing at about the same age...he wanted a reaction and attention. He got both every time. He was also somewhat unaware that his biting was causing his sister true pain. Maybe because 2 year olds don't think outside themselves, maybe he did and just didn't care, or maybe he didn't realize just how bad it hurt. I tried everything our family doctor and friends and teachers suggested. Nothing worked. Finally one day I had enough. I bit him back. Hard. Then I left him to cry and think about what just happened.
ReplyDeleteNow, I did not leave a bruise or break skin, but I did enough to get his attention. It was at least 3 weeks before we had another attack on his sister. (it was weekly and sometimes more) When he did it again, I did the same. I did not try to rationalize with him. I showed no attention to him, I would gather his sister we would leave the room and I would check in on him, but not return until he stopped crying. We only had 4 more attacks after that.
It seems cruel, but I do not believe that children at that age are able to draw the connection between what is happening. Mine seemed to do very well when the consequence followed immediatly and was short, sweet, and consistent.
The older 2 are now 8 and 9 and we have an 18 month old now who has just started using his teeth. No biting yet. Hopefully he will not try it!