I'm not going to lie. I'm hesitant to post these pictures because it looks SO bad. But I know that enough of you have witnessed Hunter's ferocity in person, so if anyone comes to take my kids away from me, there are many who could attest to the fact that I do not in fact hurt my children.
But this is real life people. You know how I always write about roses and rainbows and I never seem to complain about my kids? Well this should be a refreshing change of pace. The biting in my house is OUT OF CONTROL.
Colton is not a biter. Never bitten anyone in his life.
But Ethan and Hunter. There is this silent competition, sibling rivalry thing, at it's worst. I don't know where it comes from. All I know is that it is out of control. I have asked every parent I know if their kids were biters and most have said yes, and that I should bite my children back. Well here's the thing. I am just not comfortable biting my kids. I'm just not. And really people, when you see the photos below you will see that they are biting each other harder than I would ever DREAM of, and it hasn't stopped them.
The problem is that they have SO many more teeth now AND the biting has intensified dramatically from just biting where you could see two perfect rows of teeth marks to an actual bite and then SCRAPING of the teeth on the skin. And they are fast. You would think that I neglect them, but seriously, I am constantly playing with them and it happens so stinking fast.
I have tried every technique in the book to stop this problem....separating them, telling them mouths are for kisses not bites, soap in the mouth, firm voice, you name it, I've done it.
But, Little Miss Ed.ward Cu.llen is hell bent on biting the crap out of poor Ethan. (I say poor Ethan, though really he bites her back just as much.) But somehow, he is the victim of most of the Bunchkin Bullying. Seriously, just look at the intensity on her face. She is ferocious and scary.
If anyone has any other wisdom, PLEASE share it with me. And in the mean time, don't worry. I will never leave Hunter alone at a playdate.
**Now before you see these pictures, I know what you'll be thinking. "What a great mom. She's taking pictures while her kid gets bit." I know. But here's the thing, I really wanted others to see proof of how this happens.
Okay...take a deep breath. Now look at my poor youngest baby boy, Ethan. Yes my friends, those are ALL Hunter's teeth marks. Some old, which are now mostly bruises and others that are newer.
Look at her crazy biter face!!
This is usually how it starts. With a hair pull or face pinch...
(Both of which she obviously did)
And then, she goes in for the kill. The bite.
I think the boys are conspiring about how to make their sister stop biting them...
There! Now you all know why I can't stop obsessing about the biting in this house!!
9 comments:
Oh my gosh!! Poor Ethan, she is quite the little stinker! That's ok Malia can be just as mean, she's a pusher, hitter, pincher, slapper, I guess girls are just fiesty! One of my friend's kids was a biter and she would flick their mouth when she would see them go in for the bite, it hurt them but she said it worked really well. She said it would shock them at first, then they would always look around to see if the "hand was coming". I know it sounds bad, but she said it worked. Of course then they resorted to hitting, I guess sometimes you just can't win. Good Luck, at least Ethan will be a tough little guy!
O.M.G!!! You've told me about Hunter's biting so many times, but I never dreamed she really bit hard. Poor poor Ethan. Maybe you could bathe the boys in Tabasco??
I am at a lost for words Ami! Even when I worked at a daycare where biting happens A LOT, I never saw it that bad: ( Prestton is still biting Trynnity and we put up against the wall in time out immediately using our sternest voice. It is a phase and as they get older and can communicate better it will subside. Hang in there. Poor baby boys!!!
Oh my! this is terrible!!! I think maybe Hunter needs to be put in isolation! Put her in the playpen and let her watch her brothers playing peacefully together and maybe she will get the hint (i doubt it, she's too young but you never know). I would smack her hand when she pinches and i'm kinda liking the flicking the mouth from Amanda (i dont really like it, but you know what i mean). Apparently this little Miss Fiesty needs some harsh reality! Good thing she's such a cutie pie (when not showing her fangs, of course)!I would like to wish you good luck with this one Ami and Brian!
I can attest to how quick it happens! I've been there when they both bite. Ethan is the only one that bites me on the arm when I'm holding him (so he's not that innocent.) So when does the flicking begin : )
Teethers, Teethers, Teethers!!! Freeze some, Fridge some, Chewy ones, Cloth ones, Gummy ones, etc. Get Hunter every kind of teether you can think of and when you see her start to bite or right after she does bite, tell her no in a stern voice and offer her a teether and tell her that babies bite on these not their brothers!! She'll stop biting within a few days!!
Have you read "Love and Logic Magic for Early Childhood" by Jim Fay & Charles Fay? We used a couple of their techniques when dealing with our biter. For our little guy it did the trick. Good luck!!
The only thing I can think of is to give POOR Ethan Hunter's favorite toy after she's gone on the attack ;) Each time she goes in just give Ethan more lovin' and give him something that Hunter is very fond of..woobie? Emma was my biter and it that does stop but she still is the bully :( If it's not one thing, it surely something else :) Miss you guys!
ami,
Love your blog. Hate to burst your bubble, but my older brother, (your Dad), bit me 'til I was 20. LOL
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