Best for this moment
when your toddler needs to move and burn energy, especially when you need an indoor option.
Chomp and Stomp It Out
At a glance: Channel biting and hitting urges into a structured sequence of stomping, clapping, squeezing, and safe biting. A 5-minute, high-energy indoor activity for ages 12m–2y. No prep needed.
When the biting urge strikes, redirect it with this structured sensory release sequence. Start with big stomps ('Stomp like a dinosaur!'), then clapping hands hard together, then squeezing a cushion tight, and finally biting into a safe chewy toy or crunchy snack. The sequence provides escalating proprioceptive input through the whole body before targeting the oral sensory need specifically. Over time, toddlers learn to run through the sequence independently when they feel the urge building.
Parent tip
Start before you overthink it. No-prep activities work best when you begin while the moment is still recoverable.
What success looks like
A good outcome is a few minutes of engaged play, some back-and-forth with you, and a small sign of progress in body awareness.
More help for this situation
Meltdowns and tantrums
Meltdown
Start with calm regulation, then move to a simple activity that helps the moment settle.
Read the meltdown guideInstructions
- When you spot pre-bite signs (clenched jaw, leaning in, excitement peaking), say: 'Let's chomp and stomp!'
- Start stomping together: 'STOMP STOMP STOMP — big dinosaur feet!'
- Move to clapping: 'Now CLAP CLAP CLAP — as loud as you can!'
- Squeeze a cushion: 'Squeeze it tight — tighter — TIGHTER!'
- Offer a safe bite target: a teether, chewy snack, or thick flannel
- Celebrate: 'You used your stomps and your squeezes! Your body feels better!'
- Name the feeling: 'Your mouth wanted to bite. You found a better way.'
Why it helps
Biting is often driven by proprioceptive seeking — the deep pressure sensation through the jaw that provides neurological calming. This activity provides escalating proprioceptive input through multiple body systems (legs, hands, arms, jaw) before channelling the oral need into a safe target. Teaching the sequence proactively builds the executive function pathway of 'urge → alternative action' that underpins all impulse control development.
Variations
- Create a visual 'chomp and stomp' sequence card with pictures for each step that your toddler can point to.
- Add a roaring step: 'ROAR like a lion!' — it opens the jaw wide and releases oral tension.
- Practise the sequence during calm moments so it becomes automatic during heightened ones.
Safety tips
- Ensure the teether or flannel is clean and safe for mouthing.
- Keep the tone energetic and fun, never punitive — this is a tool, not a consequence.
- Watch for frustration if the urge is very strong — sometimes a calm cuddle works better than an active redirect.
When to pause and seek extra support
Stop if your child becomes distressed, unsafe, or consistently frustrated by the activity. If play, behaviour, or development worries keep showing up across settings, check in with a qualified professional.
Get weekly activity ideas for your toddler
One email a week with practical toddler activities, behaviour tips, and developmental insights. No spam, unsubscribe any time.