First grader biting?!

[emmalala]

This struck me as being age-inappropriate but I am no expert. Could someone out there advise me on whether my reaction is off the wall?

I don't want to go into a lot of detail, but he bit another child without breaking the skin.

[Amoreena]

http://www.awareparenting.com/answer5.htm

I go along with the NVC (nonviolent communication) tenet that every behavior is motivated by a need. There's also a lot in Aletha Solter's work (at link above) about finding the underlying need that brings about a behavior. She has numerous very thought-provoking and helpful articles at the above site. The specific link above is for an article entitled "An only child is aggressive with other children at school"

Hth.

[J-Max]

I have a first grader that bites
It does not happen often and it is usually when she is extremely out of control and does not know what else to do. She has not bitten anyone outside of family in a long time, and we know the warning signs and can usually stop it before it happens. She has always been very oral and a biter.

In general I would say it is not age appropriate, but it would also depend on the children involved and the situation. I know that if dd felt in danger/insecure/unable to defend her self, biting will be one of her first defences.

[emmalala]

Thanks for your replies!

I hope I did not give offense to anyone, I am just looking to understand a situation which is new to me.

[LynnS6]

If it's a new behavior for the child, check to see if they're teething. Seriously -- 1st and 2nd graders are getting new teeth and it is a bit uncomfortable!

Otherwise, I agree with the pps, unusual, but not out of the realm of possibility.