“Why do kids bite themselves? My nanny told me about my two toddlers biting themselves. I don’t understand why it would happen.”
This is not an uncommon behaviour. Toddlers do not have the verbal ability to explain what they are feeling, or what they want. Sometimes the only way to express it is by biting themselves, or biting or hitting others.
This behaviour usually disappears when they learn to speak and are able to say what is happening to them. At the same time, with age, they become better able to regulate their emotions and don’t need to bite themselves. The best thing to do when they bite themselves is to gently distract them.
If the biting continues after the toddler years, it is worth discussing it with your paediatrician.
You may also find these articles useful:
Fostering Emotional Intelligence in Children: A Guide for Parents
How to Encourage my Toddler’s Speech Development
I hope this information helps. I wish you all the very best.
Love,
Ana
