‘How do I stop my daughter biting before it becomes a habit?’

She said she has tried to tell her daughter that biting is unacceptable, but asked for advice on how to approach the situation effectively before it becomes a habit.

Speaking to Newstalk’s Moncrieff, the mum said: “We have an older daughter, 21 months, who loves her new brother and shows him so much affection, hugs and kisses.

“There is just one thing that she started yesterday and that was biting.

“She was being a bit rough with the baby and I asked her to be gentle and she tried to bite me.

“I told her calmly that biting was bold and we just moved on, but I’m worried this is now the start of something and would like to try and deal with it before it escalates into something more, like biting me, her baby brother, or other children.”

Speaking about how to handle this situation properly, Family Psychotherapist, Joanna Fortune said it’s all about lessons in communication.

Fortune said at 21 months of age, her daughter wouldn’t yet have the skills to deal with frustration in a rational manner.

“She might be delighted with this little baby, but there’s also the part of her that can’t express this little usurper has come in now and upsculted my world order.

“So instead, she bites because that’s a very effective way of communicating frustration, anger. It is a developmental thing at her age and it is very common.”

Ms. Fortune went on to say that the best thing a parent can do in this situation is firmly say ‘no’ and to make sure their expression matches their voice so the child knows without a doubt that what they’re doing it wrong.

However, there is no need to dwell on the topic either. She says moving swiftly on or distracting them after making it clear is the best thing to do.

“To six down and wax lyrical and talk to her about her behaviour is an absolute waste of time at her age.

“It’s ineffective, but it’s only going to frustrate you. Keep that firm no and come down to her eye level, hold hands.

“Just rub little circles, gentle yet firm. Sway her hands side to side, just bringing in some of that co-regulation through touch and through rhythm and synchrony.

“You’re just going to have to repeat and repeat and repeat that and keep an eye on her.”

Joanna went on to reassure the mum that although her biting could be associated with the arrival of her new sibling, it could also be coincidence that it’s happening now - which is totally normal at this age.

“Often we see it with children at this age because of language and verbal expression and just being able to manage their emotions.

“When they’re cutting a tooth, somebody else’s fleshy arm can feel very nice on sore gums. So sometimes it’s a sensory seeking motivation behind it.

“It’s more important that you stick with the no and the redirection. Do get curious; could there be a little painful back tooth or anything like that at that age?”

She finally said that it would be a good idea to watch her older daughter around the newborn regardless, due to how impulsive kids can be at this age.