My 2 .5 year old bites me when he's happy!

[Szmiglet]

I have just recently adopted a little boy who has been in a children's home since he was 10 months old. He has had a stable upbringing in the home but of course no 1 to 1 attention. He is a wilful, intelligent, cheeky and loving child. However, when he's excited, happy and playful he'll pinch and bite me HARD! He laughs while he's doing this!

I have tried everything, ignoring it, saying 'no bite!' loudly, remaining calm and firm. I've tried walking away from him (which makes him cry), I've shouted at him (bad mummy!) and I've tried to reason with him. He just laughs and says 'no' back - he thinks its a game so doesn't understand when I pull away from him. He's pushing my patience to the limit because sometimes when he looks like he's coming in for a cuddle and play he'll land a huge bite on my shoulder.

He's not showing any agressive behaviour to me or anyone else but I've noticed he bites all the soft toys he loves and sometimes he pinches himself when he wants to make himself cry for attention (in a tantrum). He's adapted very well to his new environment and his tantrums are now negligible. It's just the biting - it hurts and it's very annoying!! Advice please.

[Szmiglet]

Hi,

Thanks for your response/s and I'll look into the SID thing. I've been very strict with the Timeout rule recently and it does seem to be working. He now seems to know that mouths are for talking and kissing, and not for biting!! Thanks again.

[kitty29]

I would look into Sensory Integration Disorder.

A lot of orphan children have SID. I would even suggest you see an SLP (speech-language pathologist) for an evaluation. Even though he might not struggle with language per se, the SLP works intensely on the mouth muscles and oral awareness. She would know how to help him. Just ask your pediatrician for a prescription for the eval so that your insurance will cover it.

Some simple oral sensory acitivities may be all he needs to desensitize his need to bite.

There are a lot of "Occupational Therapy" catalogs online. If you vist one of there sites, you will find a TON of oral sensory toys and tools.

[Kevin Kennedy, Ph.D.]

It remains to be seen whether this behavior is an indication of an emotional disturbance having to do with ambivalent attachment, a condition that often influnces children who have the general background your son has. In any case, for now what you have to do is manage the behavior. One principle intervention is required: immediate time out at the least sign of aggression (biting or otherwise). You can talk until you're 'blue in the face', as they say, and it won't change the situation. Take action - time him out. As you're doing this, say "No biting".