Preschool in Ypsilanti Recommends the 4 Absolute Best Ways to Prevent Biting

Does your child bite?

Have you struggled to come up with a solution?

Is your child getting into trouble at school as a result?

Biting is very common among toddlers, so don’t worry (at least not too much)! It can be frustrating for any parent asking hard questions like: Should I discipline my child? Laugh it off and say “they’re just playing”? It’s a hard choice to make for any parent. To prevent your child from biting, it’s helpful to understand why they’re doing it. 

According to NAEYC (National Association for the Education of Young Children), children bite for a number of reasons including:

1. Relieve pain from teething.
2. Explore cause and effect (“What happens when I bite?”).
3. Experience the sensation of biting.
4. Satisfy a need for oral-motor stimulation. 
5. Imitate other children and adults.
6. Feel strong and in control.
7. Get attention.
8. Act in self-defense.
9. Communicate needs and desires, such as hunger or fatigue.
10. Communicate or express difficult feelings, such as frustration, anger, confusion, or fear (“There are too many people here and I feel cramped”). 

It’s important to be able to spot your child feelings before the situation arises so you’ll be well prepared to handle the situation.

NAEYC suggests there are plenty of things parents can do to prevent biting, including:

1. Have age-appropriate expectations for your child’s behavior based on his or her current skills and abilities.
2. Make sure your child’s schedule, routines, and transitions are predictable and consistent.
3. Offer activities and materials that allow your child to relax and release tension.
4. Use positive guidance strategies to help your child develop self-control.
5. Provide items to bite, such as teething rings or clean, wet, cold washcloths stored in the refrigerator. This helps children learn what they can bite safely, without hurting anyone else. 

Give these recommendations a try. Your child will take your lead. Set a good example and teach them proper manners. Biting hurts. For example, tell your child how the other child is feeling: “Look, Timmy’s crying because you hurt him.” Keep it simple, so your child will understand.

If you decide to try some of these things with your child, we’d like to know how it works for you. In addition, are there any other alternatives that already work for you that you’d like to suggest to other parents? Please let us know in the comments! At Little Angels Preschool in Ypsilanti serving Saline, Ann Arbor, Milan, and the surrounding areas, we’re dedicated to our students’ health and well-being.

Why is Getting the Right Amount of Sleep Crucial for Kids?

Is your child having a hard time sleeping at night?

Are there monsters under the bed? In the closet?

Does your child have many extracurricular activities that keep them riled up all night?

According to the National Sleep Foundation, “children ages 5 to 12 need 10 to 11 hours of sleep each night.” When your child is fast asleep, it also allows you a haven of comfort and joyful rest. You’ll feel refreshed and ready for the day’s festivities.

If your child isn’t getting enough sleep, it’s important that you put them on a sleep schedule. Sleep schedules have been known to help a child stick to a routine. According to WebMD, “there is no one right routine for everyone, but in general, your routine should include all the things that your child needs to do before going to sleep, like brushing teeth, washing up, putting on PJs, and having a snack or drink of water. Your child may want to be read to, talk about the day, or told a story. Whatever you choose to do, keep the routine short (30 minutes or less, not including a bath) and be firm about ending it when it's time to sleep.”

According to Parents.com, not getting the recommended amount of sleep per day can lead to problems in school like:

• Attention problems
• Reduced cognitive functioning
• Dulled memory
• Hyperactive behavior
• Emotional outbursts
• Attendance issues

Frequently Asked Questions

What are some healthy right before bedtime snack recommendations?

Healthy snacks before bedtime that we recommend include cereal, fruit, graham crackers, string cheese. Try to avoid large snacks as it can interfere with having to get up in the middle of the night to use the bathroom.

What if my child refuses to go to sleep at a scheduled time?

If your child refuses to go to sleep at a scheduled time, stand firm and set limits. Be clear with your child on the rules you set and stick to them.

Should I stick with a routine even on the weekends?

If you don’t want your child to fall out of a sleep schedule, then it’s better to stick to the schedule that you’ve laid out. If you’re loosey goosy on the weekends, your child may think that they can get away with going to bed later during school nights. Keep your eye on the prize! 

A sleep schedule that your child sticks with in the long term will give you more “me time.” Can you imagine what you could do in an extra hour of child-free time? You could read the novel you’ve always wanted to finish, watch your recorded soap operas, wash your hair in peace, etc. The possibilities are endless! 

At Little Angels Preschool in Ypsilanti, we’re dedicated to our students’ health and well-being. Do you know of a parent looking for a quality daycare in Milan or the surrounding areas? Please encourage them to contact us to schedule a tour of Little Angels Preschool & Daycare.