I honestly wouldn't really waste time worrying about what the mom said about the little one biting the older one back (she may have not really seen it and assumed it happened- some parents do that). Even if it was intentional, who knows why people lie about random things intentionally (attention?).
Though I would be concerned that maybe she isn't really paying as close attention to DCB (or his brother for that matter) as she should. I understand that sometimes little boys need to get their energy out and for the record I have no problem with little boys rough housing a little bit as long as:
A) they are both around the same size/ age and at least over the age of 4
B) they don't use any bad/mean words or phrases such as "I hate you" or "I'll kill you"- to me at that point its no longer just playing around, its just hostile aggression.
C) they understand that they cannot bite, scratch, hit each other or poke each other in the eye {my idea of rough housing is more like wrestling-anything more than that I would NEVER allow}
I would be most concerned about a 3 year old (who should know better) biting a younger child who may not have teeth (IDK since you didn't mention an age of younger bro) and saying that "I just couldn't stop biting him". It could be a sign that it could be some type of impulsive behavior disorder like OCD, addiction, ADHD, or Pica; an unusual craving for non-food items (in this case for skin or blood; depending on how deeply he bites and if it draws blood). Some children with autism have also been reported chewing on their own skin (some actually have chewed off their lips and cheeks). It could also be pressure on his teeth and gums (that can be caused by a cavity, tooth ache, or an abscess) is relieved from chewing or biting. It could also be like you said he is just not disciplined enough at home, so he realizes he gets more attention when he bites his little brother or to test limits-this could be especially true if he is only biting at home and not at daycare.
ETA: Wow, really DCD? If Big bro did bite lil bro and broke skin it could cause a serious infection! Do you know how much bacteria is in a 3 year olds mouth!
I would just tell them "You need to get this taken care of or I will legally have to report you for neglect and child endangerment!" or I would just call the next time a see a bit on lil bro- you are a mandated reporter and any suspicion of abuse or neglect needs to be reported. They may know it was you that called and they may leave but I would rather have that happen than sit by and watch as one child is putting another child in danger- especially if it's because the parents are are afraid of a 3 year old!
Though I would be concerned that maybe she isn't really paying as close attention to DCB (or his brother for that matter) as she should. I understand that sometimes little boys need to get their energy out and for the record I have no problem with little boys rough housing a little bit as long as:
A) they are both around the same size/ age and at least over the age of 4
B) they don't use any bad/mean words or phrases such as "I hate you" or "I'll kill you"- to me at that point its no longer just playing around, its just hostile aggression.
C) they understand that they cannot bite, scratch, hit each other or poke each other in the eye {my idea of rough housing is more like wrestling-anything more than that I would NEVER allow}
I would be most concerned about a 3 year old (who should know better) biting a younger child who may not have teeth (IDK since you didn't mention an age of younger bro) and saying that "I just couldn't stop biting him". It could be a sign that it could be some type of impulsive behavior disorder like OCD, addiction, ADHD, or Pica; an unusual craving for non-food items (in this case for skin or blood; depending on how deeply he bites and if it draws blood). Some children with autism have also been reported chewing on their own skin (some actually have chewed off their lips and cheeks). It could also be pressure on his teeth and gums (that can be caused by a cavity, tooth ache, or an abscess) is relieved from chewing or biting. It could also be like you said he is just not disciplined enough at home, so he realizes he gets more attention when he bites his little brother or to test limits-this could be especially true if he is only biting at home and not at daycare.
ETA: Wow, really DCD? If Big bro did bite lil bro and broke skin it could cause a serious infection! Do you know how much bacteria is in a 3 year olds mouth!
I would just tell them "You need to get this taken care of or I will legally have to report you for neglect and child endangerment!" or I would just call the next time a see a bit on lil bro- you are a mandated reporter and any suspicion of abuse or neglect needs to be reported. They may know it was you that called and they may leave but I would rather have that happen than sit by and watch as one child is putting another child in danger- especially if it's because the parents are are afraid of a 3 year old!
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