As parents, we celebrate many milestones in our children’s lives, but “Baby’s First Bite” (at 2½) isn’t typically one of them. There’s no cute Pinterest board for it, no Instagram hashtags to share. It feels like a solitary struggle—a private embarrassment that we bear alone.
My child is a biter.
If your little one isn’t among the ranks of biters, you might not fully grasp the weight of this reality. You may give me that judgmental look when your child cries due to my son’s actions, yet you don’t see how that gaze pierces my heart. Your eyes seem to say, “You’re a terrible parent for allowing this,” echoing all my insecurities about my parenting skills.
You can’t know the tears I’ve shed over this issue. I worry endlessly that my child will face social ostracization, that he’ll always be the outcast. At just 2½ years old, I fear his future is already bleak because I feel so helpless in guiding him through this phase.
Deep down, I know this biting phase won’t last forever. I understand that it’s often a developmental issue, and with time, he’ll likely outgrow it (before moving on to the next stage where he insists he’s a dinosaur). Still, parenting a biter is riddled with distinct challenges. Here are 10 things that only parents of biters can truly relate to:
- Playdates send your anxiety skyrocketing. You might appear to be a hovering parent, but it’s not out of concern for his safety; it’s to quickly intervene when he goes in for a nibble.
- Avoid warning shirts at all costs. It’s not a great idea for him to wear a T-shirt with a shark on it during playdates. Trust me, it’s not cute; it’s just a bad idea.
- A call from daycare can ruin your day faster than you can eat a whole box of cookies. They’ll want you to pick up your child immediately, and you’ll feel the weight of judgment from your boss.
- Everyone seems to have advice. Spoiler alert: none of it usually works.
- You can’t help but wonder about future dental bills. Just look at those bite marks on your arm! Maybe the orthodontist can make use of the impressions.
- Your child’s wardrobe has limitations. While it’s probably just a phase, the judgment you receive from others can make it feel like he’s already on a path to trouble.
- Nursing days are definitely behind you. Ouch, right?
- You’ve contemplated some wild solutions. What if he had all his baby teeth removed? Or what about a puppy cone for toddlers?
- You’ve become a detective. With every biting incident, you’re gathering clues: What set him off? Who was around?
- Despite everything, you adore your little monster. You see the good in him and cling to the hope that this phase will pass (please let it end!).
If you’re looking for more insights on parenting and family life, check out this blog post for some engaging reads. And for those looking into fertility and family planning, Make a Mom offers great resources, as does UCSF for pregnancy and home insemination.
In summary, parenting a child who bites can be a lonely journey filled with stress and worry. However, it’s essential to remember that this phase is temporary, and love and understanding can go a long way.