Why do toddlers hit or bite?
1.) Patricia Mikell, assistant director of Graham Windham Manhattan Mental Health Center and a child therapist in New York City, explains, “Biting is common because toddlers are in an oral stage—they explore the world around them with their mouths. Toddlers are also exerting their independence now, and some kids express their willfulness by hitting others.” At this age kids learn by putting things in their mouths, even other toddler’s arms. 2.) Toddlers may be experimenting with cause and effect. They want to see what happens or what reaction hitting or biting brings. 3.) They can’t express themselves any other way, since they can’t speak well yet, and hitting or biting may be the way they deal with frustration. 4.) Toddlers have trouble regulating emotions and some may have short tempers and bite or hit as a result. 5.) Toddlers may just need space. If you put a bunch of toddlers together at a playgroup, they may feel cramped and their reflex is to throw their arms around so they can
