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Hitting and biting: a safety and next-step plan

CAN parentFree family resource

Free CAN parent resource

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Read the guidance alongside this sheet

Free resource. Print this page or copy the prompts into your own notebook or document. The spaces below are for your own notes, not an online form.

Complete this after everyone is safe and calm. Record only what is useful. Keep notes private, particularly when another child is involved.

Our immediate response

  • Adult who will move close and separate children calmly: ____________________
  • Short boundary we will use: ____________________
  • How we will care for the hurt child and get help if needed: ____________________

Example words: “I will not let you bite. Biting hurts. I am helping you move here.”

Do not hit or bite back. Seek appropriate help for injuries.

What we noticed

  • What happened just before? ____________________
  • What did our child do? ____________________
  • What happened afterwards? ____________________
  • Was there a repeated situation, such as waiting or crowded play? ____________________

Describe actions without labels such as “naughty” or “aggressive”. An observation helps you plan; it does not diagnose a cause.

One safer action to teach

  • A word, gesture or way to ask for help: ____________________
  • How we will model it during calm play: ____________________
  • How we will recognise and respond when our child tries it: ____________________

Example: “We will practise saying or signing ‘help’ when two toys want the same block. An adult will respond promptly.”

Make the next situation easier

  • One change to the space, waiting time or adult support: ____________________
  • Carer we will share the plan with: ____________________
  • When we will review: ____________________

If incidents are frequent, severe or hard to manage safely, speak to your health visitor or GP. Use Action for Children’s guidance for further support.

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For ideas to use alongside this resource, read When a toddler hits or bites: keep everyone safe and teach the next step.