Toddlers biting in daycare settings is a common concern, often met with punitive responses from daycare directors labeling children as “biters,” which can alarm parents. However, biting is a normal developmental phase in toddlers, stemming from frustration or the need to explore cause and effect. Research shows nearly all toddlers engage in some form of physical aggression weekly. How daycare centers handle biting incidents significantly impacts outcomes; supportive responses can resolve issues, whereas punitive measures may exacerbate behaviors.
