How to stop your toddler from hitting and biting
Stay calm, say it short and firm, like "biting hurts", give your child words or a safe way to show the feeling, and praise gentle hands.
Custom story for Theo
Theo's big sister grabs his fire truck, and he finds his words and his gentle hands instead.
My Turn, Please
Story created for Theo
Biting is very common in early childhood and peaks between the first and second birthdays, says Nemours KidsHealth: toddlers feel frustration, anger and fear before they have the words for them. In the moment, it suggests a short, firm phrase like "biting hurts", comforting the child who was hurt, and never biting or hitting back. Once things are calm, offer words to use instead, like "stop" or "that's mine."
Toddlers may also hit when they're bored, tired, hungry or overwhelmed, says pediatric psychologist Emily Mudd of Cleveland Clinic. She suggests naming the feeling and redirecting it: "You can't hit me, but you can hit the pillow."
A social story is one way to practice before the next big moment: your child sees themselves feel the mad feeling, stop, and use their words or gentle hands. That's why Tella is built so the story stars your child, with the sibling or friend they play with and the grown-up who helps.
A hitting and biting social story video starring your child
Here's how Theo's story goes.
Big sister June scoops up the fire truck Theo was playing with. 
The mad feeling rushes up, and Theo's fists curl tight. 
Mom kneels close and helps him stop and breathe. 
Theo says "My turn, please," and they share a gentle-hands high five.
Questions parents ask
- Why does my toddler hit?
- Usually because the feeling is bigger than their words. Toddlers may hit, bite or push when they're bored, tired, hungry or overwhelmed, Cleveland Clinic explains, and some of it is expected at this age.
- How do I get my toddler to stop biting?
- Stay calm and firm with a short phrase like "no biting", comfort the child who was bitten, never bite back, and praise them when they use words instead, Nemours KidsHealth suggests.
- What do I do when my toddler hits the new baby?
- Stay close when they're together, comfort the baby first, then name your toddler's feeling, like "You wish I was holding you." There's more on jealousy on our new baby page.
- When should I worry about hitting or biting?
- Biting usually stops around age 3 or 4, and hitting should ease as words grow. Talk with your pediatrician if it's getting worse, happens a lot, or puts anyone in danger.
- Is there a book like Hands Are Not for Hitting starring my child?
- Tella makes a story instead of a printed book. It stars your child and the moment that sets off the hitting or biting, and it's ready the same day on your phone, tablet or TV.
Questions parents ask about Tella
- Is it more screen time?
- You watch it together, and it's about a real day in your child's life. No feed, and every story has an ending.
- Is it safe?
- No photo needed. See what we keep and who sees it.
- Is it really about my child?
- Every scene shows your child and your family, not a name dropped into a template.
- What does it cost?
- Your first story is free. No card needed.
- Why not just ask ChatGPT?
- See how a Tella story compares.
Updated October 30, 2026.
Made by parents for kids.
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