What to do if your child bites or kicks

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If you've got a child who bites or kicks, go to a few toddler groups in your area and try befriending other mums with equally 'challenging' children (you'll find plenty believe me!). Ask them for advice. It's natural for a two-year-old to have tantrums and sometimes bite or kick, it's not your fault.

The next time they bite or kick, look at them very sternly and say 'No' firmly, then try to distract them. They'll grow out of it eventually but it's important to show them it's wrong. Their 'difficult' streak might prove helpful when he's older and needs to assert himself.
Sue Firth, psychologist and mother of two children

By Sue Firth

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Margaret O'Dee, about 1 year

I agree wholeheartedly with the comments made here. However, I believe it's also vitally important not to ignore the 'victim'. In my own home just recently one grandson (2 years 9 months) was agressive to the other (2 years 6 months) ie pinching and scratching. There was a real danger of the 'aggressor' getting all the attention whilst the other child was marginalised. I find it useful to stop the aggressive behaviour and to give the 'victim' lots of hugs and cuddles - this has certainly worked for us as our little 'agressor' realised he was missing all this loving behaviour, which he absolutely thrives on.

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