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Biting at the Center
November 6, 2006
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Cultivate a heart of love that knows no anger.
-Cambodian Proverb
Two of the most popular articles in the 30 year history of Exchange are "Reality Bites: Biting at the Center" (Parts I and II), by Jim Greenman and Anne Stonehouse. These articles form the basis for an Exchange Out of the Box Training Kit. In Part II, Greenman presents a variety of ways to respond. Among these suggestions are the following "changes to the room environment":

1. Analyze the room environment, schedule, routines, and expectations of children and staff to minimize:
  • Congestion
  • Confusion and disorder
  • Child waiting
  • Child frustration
  • Child boredom
  • Commotion
  • Competition for toys and materials
  • Competition for adult attention
2. Avoid large groups and break into small groups:
  • Use other spaces in the center, the playground, and walks.
  • Within the room, spread out the activities and the staff to avoid bunching up (also use the nap area).
3. Look for ways to increase the promotion of the children's sense of security and stability:
  • "No surprises" �" maintain a predictable schedule and ensure that children understand and anticipate the progression of the day.
  • Ensure prime times with the child's primary caregiver.
  • Ensure warm, cozy, semi-secluded "places to be."
  • Avoid staffing changes. Develop and maintain individual and group rituals.
4. Look for ways to engage children more effectively in the environment:
  • Analyze choices perceived by children.
  • Analyze the developmental appropriateness of choices.
  • Provide duplications and multiple options.
  • Consider whether to increase the motor and sensory choices available.
5. Look for ways to calm children after periods of excitement:
  • Relaxed transactions
  • Calming music
  • Calming physical contact with caregivers
6. Analyze grouping of children to avoid combinations that might lead to conflict or biting:
  • Avoid grouping biters and likely "victims" together.
  • Avoid grouping children who will compete for toys.


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Comments (5)

Displaying All 5 Comments
cvasquez · November 20, 2006
child inc
 austin, tx, United States


I think the article would be of help to anyone experiencing a biting problem. Familiarity,calm,comfortable settings,and having a routine should help a child feel safe,and not have to feel like they need to lash out. The writing had some good suggestions.

Mary Beth Wiley · November 06, 2006
A Caring World Child Development Center
 Chicago, Illinois, United States


For each point I kept thinking "Yep, that's a good idea"---"Yep that's a good one too"---but maybe number 7 should be (or maybe #1) "Always know where the "booboo bunnies" are and how long it will take to get them for the bitten one!!! Great article!!!Thanks!!!

Lois Truman · November 06, 2006
Florissant, MO, United States


Those working with toddlers sooner more than later run into the issue of biting. I commend you for addressing the issue and presenting available resources on this topic. I was also happy to read that Kathryn Sims is doing her dissertation on this topic and look forward to reading about the study. I am involved in creating a toddler curriculum for use in Sunday school settings and am encouraging teachers to access your website. Thanks for the good job you do!!

Lois M. Ingellis · November 06, 2006
consultant in early childhood
 Port Ewen, NY, United States


We have a real gem of an expert in this and potty training from Syracuse, NY. She is Gretchen Kinnell. She's the Eudcation Director of Child Care Solutions, 6724 Thompson Road Syracuse, NY 13211. ph 315 446 122 www.childcaresyracuse.org If you are looking for more really good information in these two areas (and much more) I suggest that you contact her organization. She has two books Good Going and No Biting! Policy and Practice for Toddle Programs. I think she'd be a great addition to your wonderful journal that I've read is it really 30 years?

Kathryn Sims · November 06, 2006
United States


Jim and Anne's articles on biting prompted me to write my dissertation (write up in progress) on toddler-peer biting in child care. I would be glad to write an article for the Exchange on my qualitative study of four toddlers who had varying histories of biting. This is the only study of toddler who bite and serves as the basis for the training and consultation I provide to early childhood program and parents.

Kathy Sims, LMSW
Infant Mental Health Therapist/Early Childhood Consultant
734.668.6187



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