Why does my toddler bite others?

Q: My 18 months old daughter has developed the habit of biting others just for fun. She also bites really hard when she doesn’t want to eat something. It pains a lot. She was treated for worms in the last month itself. Is it normal and how do we treat this?

A:This is a common habit which develops in young children. Initially we tend to encourage this as we enjoy this behaviour. Try diverting her attention when she is trying to do this. Don't tell her not to do this as she would know that it irritates you and she will do this all the more.