If someone takes a toy from them, or they want what someone else has, they get angry. Conversing with a toddler is a difficult task. There are still many things in the world that don t have names, including expressions of desires, needs, and emotions. Often times if a child feels as though he isn t receiving the attention desired, and observes that he is given attention when in trouble, he will settle for that. As soon as this child discovers biting, and the quick attention it brings, the behavior is likely to continue.
First reactions are crucial.
Don t over-react. Chances are the injured child will be fine, and live to play another day. Go to the children, turning your focus to the bitee rather than the biter. Comfort the crying child first. Show the child who bit what their action caused, and explain that it hurt.