How to Break Thumb Sucking Habit in Child? 9 Ways to Quit the Habit
How to Break Thumb Sucking Habit in Child? 9 Ways to Quit the Habit: Many pediatricians believe that sucking their thumb is natural for babies. They also believe that it is the common routine amongst kids to suck their thumbs and fingers as a part of their routine to soothe themselves. A child becomes a thumb/finger sucker in the first few months of their life. It gives them calm which resultantly leads to sleep. At this stage, sucking the thumb is harmless as far as a child’s growth and development is concerned.
Ways to Quit the Thumb Sucking Habit in Children
In most of situations it is seen that children stop sucking their thumbs before entering Kindergarten, if you feel they need extra attention, then an immense of ways are there to help the child:
- Get Into A Conversation With Them:
Some children do not even realize that sucking the thumb is their habit. When you see he/she is sucking, ask them curiously – Why do they suck their thumbs? Do they know what exactly they are doing? Can they do something else like hugging that can make them feel good?
2. Watch a TV Show:
The Internet is full of stories where a child breaks the habit of sucking their thumb. Sit with your child and watch such movies together where a character quits the thumb-sucking habit and talks with your child about it. Many stories related to this include – Thumbs Up, I Can Do It, I Don’t Need My Thumb, etc.
3, Use the Nail Paint:
Apply the nail polish to the thumb/finger which is used the most to suck. However, some professionals are against this approach to break the habit. Kids who are trying to leave this habit, just need a reminder not to suck the thumb. You just need to remind the bad taste of the nail paint and that’s it.
4. Check the way your child sucks the Thumb:
As a parent, notice at what time of the day, your child sucks the thumb. If you find that the child sucks only before sleeping, give them warm milk before going to bed. On the contrary, if you notice that they suck the thumb in their mouth every time, they are sad, or angry. And at this point, look for some other way out such as any activity that can distract their mind from thumb-sucking activity.
5. Reward Your Child:
This method is not workable for all the children but you can try at least once. Still, some children are encouraged by incentives and rewards. You can give them a star sticker or their favorite dishes or any other small token like a day without sucking the thumb.
Remember that children are expert at hiding their behavior but they do not want to give up.
6. Buy a Finger Guard:
Many finger guards are available at kids’ toy shops or online to prevent your child from sucking their thumbs. These are usually like flexible gloves and some are plastic. Many chemical-free and child-friendly finger guards are also available which is easy to remove.
7. Set A Few Rules:
Make some rules and tell your child to suck the thumb only when they are in bed. Your child will still do it but now for a lesser time and over time, they may quit this habit.
8. Do the Role Play:
You can do the role play. If you have an animal toy at home or a stuffed toy then pretend that toy wants to quit the habit of thumb-sucking. Ask your child to help in eradicating this habit. Check what suggestions he/she gives to the toy.
9. Talk to the Dentist:
Professional help is also a solution for removing this habit. Take an appointment with the dentist and ask them to talk with the child about caring for the mouth and teeth. Pediatric dentists have several educational resources to help you in this matter.
