Biting

My Jacob is my emotional twin and he always likes to give me kisses on the cheek that are open mouthed. I pull back to make sure he is not giving a nip but, it his way of showing affection at this point.

The past two days, Noah has ended up after them playing sweetly screaming in a rage. I rush to see the problem and on his cheek are little bite nips. Now, I know that Jacob just thought he was kissing but, it ended up as a bite. I told him no bite, bad and made him sit still on the floor for one minute.

Today, Jacob chomped Noah on the elbow....major dental marks and then when they were standing at the fence waiting for lunch; Noah was trying to cruise around him and was holding/pulling on Jacob. Jacob got angry he was being used as a toddle cruch and leaned back mouth fully open to take a chomp before I stopped him.

For the bite on the elbow (not out of love I can tell you). I gave Noah to DH to console and put Jacob on the floor as he is screaming and crying. I told him no bite, bad and you have time out for two minutes. If he tried to get up I sat him back down and when time was up I held him and told him that you do not bite people. Then I cuddled him when time out is over and told him I loved him.

So, am I handling this right?

 

I am pretty sure that time out should start around 18-24 months. At his current age, they mentally can not make a connection between their actions and consequences. I am going to assume that this is a phase and he will out grow it. I hope soon for all of you! :hug99:

 

I don't think they understand the concept of time out. I would think constant superviosn and redirection would work best at this age. I am thinking it is a stage but that doesn't mean you can't so no bite, etc. Hope things resolve quickly for you!

 

Jacob bites, but not maliciously. On the other hand, Emma will bite when she is mad. I remove them from whoever they are biting(mostly me!), and say "no bite" and put them on the floor. Just by doing that, they are starting to get it, that biting is not allowed. Jake will sometimes smile at me though.

 

Wes also bites while giving open mouth kisses. I need to be more persistent about saying no. I just don't want him to stop kissing. I probably don't help the matter because I usually start laughing.

 

Our pedi gives us handouts at every appt, and at their 9 month appt, one of our handouts was about milestones, and everything you could think of. It said you could start timeouts at 10 months old. (I'll see if I can find the handout and direct you to it, she gets a lot of her stuff from a pedi website).

My guys bit each other at that age as well, and doing a little timeout and seperating them was all I could do to keep them from biting.

QUOTE
From kidsgrowth.com:
Begin to set limits by using verbal "no's," distraction, removing the object from the baby's sight or removing the baby from the object. Never use spanking as a form of discipline, even a "little" tap on the hand. If you become angry with your baby, put the child in his or her crib or playpen for one or two minutes. This will allow you to calm down and allows your baby to realize he or she has done something wrong. Consistence of discipline is very important - adhering to the limits you set keeps your child safe.

 

That is really good to know. Thanks Jamie!

Melony, I feel now like my first post was not good since I had no way of backing it!!! I could have swore I heard that before somewhere. I am sure there are a thousand 'schools of thoughts' on this issue!