![ways to stop sucking your thumb ways to stop sucking your thumb](https://www.triadpediatricdentistry.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/ways-to-help-your-child-stop-thumb-sucking-greensboro.jpg)
Instead, give them a reward when they don't suck their thumb, which may be a hug, words of encouragement, a sticker, a special meal or snack, or a special outing. Afzal tells parents not to scold or punish their kids for sucking their thumb. Or try giving her a toy that requires two hands. Greene recommends giving her something like a twist and pop cup with water inside, in which she needs two hands to twist open the top to drink the water. When you do notice your child sucking her thumb, try to get her to do something that requires two hands. "It makes kids feel this is some extra pleasurable thing," he says. If you tell your child to stop sucking her thumb or you pull her thumb out of her mouth, it's going to reinforce the thumb sucking, Greene says. Pretend you don't notice it, then use distraction.Their thumb can be an attachment object, but you can encourage a favorite blanket, stuffed animal, doll, or toy that can take the thumb's place. That's the age when kids start picking up attachment objects that they hold on to for years, Dr. Although most kids grow out of the thumb sucking habit by 2 or 3, it's a good idea to start taking steps to stop the behavior around 18 months, says Alan Greene, MD, clinical professor of pediatrics at Stanford University School of Medicine in Palo Alto, Calif. Here's what experts say you should do when you're trying to get your child to stop sucking her thumb. (Hint: Telling your child to stop sucking his thumb makes him want to do it even more). However, there is a right way and a wrong way to go about it. When they continue to suck their thumb at an older age, it can interfere with the alignment of kids' teeth and even increase the likelihood of cavities, Dr. Ultrasounds show that fetuses as young as 15 weeks old in the womb may start sucking their thumb, and sucking is vital for babies to feed after they're born.īut while most kids stop sucking their thumb on their own by age 2 or 3, some need a little encouragement. Afzal, MD, assistant professor and director of the Pediatric Psychiatry Consultation-Liaison Service at the University of Chicago Medical Center. Sucking is a survival reflex that's life-saving for a child, says Khalid I. The issue is not just cosmetic - it can lead to problems with his teeth down the road. But it's not so cute when your child is still sucking his thumb at 4, 5, 6, or even 7 years old. This article was first published in Young Parents.Watching your little bundle find his thumb and start sucking on it is cute when he's a baby, especially if sucking on his thumb means he doesn't have to rely so much on a parent for soothing. Point out that she looks like a big girl now, and give her a special treat because she has tried so hard. She needs to feel that change brings benefit, so tell her how happy you are. Go slow and steady so that she doesn’t feel rushed. Once she has achieved one of those early targets, gradually extend that to other parts of the day.
![ways to stop sucking your thumb ways to stop sucking your thumb](https://toothbrushlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/20200405_134818_copy_600x12675790808522981432556-485x1024.jpg)
For instance, while you are reading a story book to her. Suggest that she tries to avoid thumb-sucking for one specific period to start with. Be gentleĭon’t expect immediate and complete withdrawal – she can’t break her habit that quickly. But she enjoys it, so she won’t see any reason to change quickly. She can’t fully explain why she likes to suck her thumb. She’ll just get used to the taste or simply suck a different finger instead. Don’t be tempted to paint her thumb with one of those commercial, foul-tasting but harmless liquids either. This could in turn increase her desire to suck her thumb. Threats of punishment will probably make her feel more anxious. Try not to become openly annoyed with her. The more her comfort habit gains in importance for you and for her, the more she will hold on to it. Here are six ways to help your kid break the habit. So you have good reasons to discourage the habit. Health and hygiene are issues, too.įor example, constant thumb-sucking can break the skin, or make it very red and sore.ĭentists also warn that constant thumb-suckling beyond the age of three or four years could potentially push the child’s front teeth out of shape. Most parents are unhappy to see their kid walking around with her thumb stuck in her mouth because it makes her look immature.