Ask A Puggle

During a visit with my brother-in-law’s family, I was sitting at the table chatting when my 3-year-old nephew ran up, screamed, “I am a dragon,” and bit my arm. Shocked and in pain, I ended up hitting him and knocking him over. He started crying and ran to his room. I have apologized profusely, but I still feel like a monster. How could I have better resolved the situation without resorting to violence?