The Results of our One Child Experiment To Control, and Ideally Stop, His Biting!

As many of you know, we shared our challenge and frustration with the ongoing biting habit of one of our new children. We already knew that it was not going to be easy and may be impossible.

We want to note that several changes had already happened. Peter and his parents were already attending therapy sessions for several months. As new parents, they had to learn to know him better and change their interaction with him to achieve a better relationship. They were spending more time with him, had eliminated the rough housing and were allocating more weekend time to activities that would include peter.

All of these changes definitely created a better relationship and a happier Peter, but they did not eliminate the biting totally.

Peter is a high energy, impulsive, super smart child and it was impossible for us to anticipate every move or intention he might have.

I realized I had to find some element or product that would have such a corrective impact that it would deter him from making that impulsive action, but would not harm him physically or otherwise in any way.

The only thing I could think of was black pepper to give him immediately after following a bite. It could have the impact of preventing him from wanting that experience again.

I discussed this situation with Peter’s dad and got complete support from him.

So, the next time that day he bit a child’s hand because he wanted the toy the child was holding, I immediately took Peter aside and filled ½ of a teaspoon with black pepper and fed it to him. I had no idea how he would react.

He was completely silent while working the black pepper in his mouth with a bewildered look on his face. This continued for a minute or so while I stated repeatedly that every time he bit a friend, this is what would happen.

There was one more incident that day and I repeated the process. He had a similar reaction and his expression and comments indicated he now realized that I meant what I said.

Unbelievably, he has not bitten since. What he has done is verbally state the message that if he bit a friend, the result would be a dose of black pepper.

I had also included  in this process that what he did have to do when he was upset or wanted something: he had to use his words!

“May I have the toy please”

He also sometimes acted aggressive if another child infringed on his space, so he had to communicate appropriately.

“This space is mine” “Please move” Or he had the option to move himself.

He has learned to understand himself really well. On several occasions he has suddenly come to me and requested “black pepper”. Likely he was getting the message that he felt like biting and wanted to stop it!

I don’t know if I will ever have to need to take this approach with another child. I’ve only had 3 biters in my many years of caring for children.

I am really amazed at how successful it has been with Peter and how he has been able to monitor himself.

Needless to say, we are all benefiting from this experience and truly believe it could be successful again.

Since no two children are exactly alike, it may have to be modified and hopefully I will figure out what that is.

I hope some of you can benefit from this experience.