Parent to Parent: Biters

WSVN -- Jessica admits her 2-year-old son can be a handful, but his recent behavior has her especially frustrated.

Jessica Statkiewicz: "He randomly bites. He bites when he's mad, he bites after kicking and hitting. Sometimes, he just walks up and bites."

The American Academy of Pediatrics says one out of 10 toddlers resort to biting, so it's actually pretty common.

Dr. Peter Greenspan, Pediatrician: "When you get into the toddler range, from about one to three, it usually happens when children are frustrated, angry or sometimes even excited."

So what do you do?

Pediatricians say speak firmly to the child, explain biting is not allowed.

Dr. Greenspan: "I think using words is important because it sends a message to the child that language is the medium through which we communicate."

Time outs are also effective, but if the behavior doesn't stop by age three, it's time to get professional help.

FOR MORE INFORMATION:

Dr. Valerie Goode
www.drvaleriegoode.com

American Academy of Pediatrics
www.aap.org/parents.html