Updated: Sep. 28, 2020
Originally Published: November 6, 2019
Yesterday, my son, Jake, returned from preschool sporting a bite mark on his arm, and here’s how I responded: with calm acceptance.
His arm was wrapped in a bandage, he was cheerful, and I signed an incident report noting that he didn’t even shed a tear at the time. I have faith in his educators and trust that they addressed the situation appropriately with the other child involved.
Should I be upset about this incident, especially when Jake seems unfazed? Not really. Is it necessary to assign blame to the other child or their parents? Absolutely not. The reality is, children are wonderfully unpredictable beings. When they stray from expected behavior and resort to biting instead, I’ve come to realize that the best approach is to be understanding rather than reactive. I focus on how I can connect with the situation rather than simply responding to the immediate emotions it evokes.
As long as the teachers and parents are guiding the child towards more appropriate behaviors, my son is merely experiencing a moment of learning from another child’s growth process. This mindset is easier to adopt because all children are on a journey of learning—including my own—and that journey merits a measure of empathy. While I certainly wish for my son to be free from harm, I also recognize that we are nurturing children with their own wills and ways, which may sometimes lead to disappointing outcomes that require correction.
Not every child resorts to biting, hitting, or pushing, but I can confidently say that every child needs guidance at some point—whether it’s learning to keep food on their tray or to tidy up after playtime. We are all engaged in the same mission: to help our children improve. Therefore, in this situation, there’s no need for blame. The parents and educators are working to correct the behavior, and Jake is simply a participant in another child’s learning journey. I’m perfectly fine with that.
To the parents of the child who bit Jake: it’s alright, your child is learning. They are doing their best, just like you. Jake may have been on the receiving end of this experience, but he has also been the one pushing peers in the past. I remember how distressing that was for me, feeling powerless over my child’s behavior. I would have cherished a moment of understanding from another parent, someone to say, “I’ve been there too. It’s okay.”
So, to the parents of the child who bit mine: it’s okay. This isn’t bullying or a deliberate action; it’s a young child who is unable to express his frustrations verbally and acted out with his teeth. This incident signifies growth, and in the meantime, it has allowed my son to show his own development. Just six months ago, he might have retaliated; now, he took the incident in stride and returned to playing.
He’s fine—and your little one will be too. We are all in this together.
With understanding,
A Mother Who’s Been There
For those seeking further insights into parenting and childhood challenges, check out our blog post on navigating these experiences at Home Insemination Kit. Additionally, for reliable information on pregnancy and home insemination, visit CDC. If you’re looking for resources on self insemination, Make A Mom is a reputable authority.
In summary, parenting is filled with unexpected challenges, and it’s crucial to approach each incident with empathy and understanding. Our children are learning and growing, and every experience contributes to their development.
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