Thumb Sucking: Get Your Child to Kick the Habit Thumb Sucking: Get Your Child to Kick the Habit
Thumb sucking is a self-soothing habit that can start at 15 weeks before birth but usually regresses at the age of 5 to 6 years of age. Children often suck their thumbs when they are stressed, anxious, tired, hungry, or bored. While this habit may look cute on younger children, it is unhygienic and may lead to malocclusion, thumb malformation or both.
However, when is it best to stop your child from thumb sucking? While many psychologists state that it is best to allow the child to stop on his or her own, dental experts prefer that you begin to wean your child from the habit at 12 to 24 months of age. This will allow them ample time to figure out other ways to self-soothe and prevent malocclusion or palatal deformation. Here are a few tips and tricks to get your child to kick the habit.
Find Out What Triggers the Thumb Sucking
If you notice that your child thumb sucks when he or she is bored, try to keep his or her attention. Let your child watch a fun cartoon show. Go to the zoo or park. Take him or her somewhere that allows interaction with other children.
In cases where stress is the factor, soothe your child with words and actions that will make him or her feel secure. If boredom triggers the habit, find ways to keep the child occupied. Whatever the trigger is, there are a multitude of ways to prevent thumb sucking.
Substitution
While some may consider it substitution as introducing a new problem, there are healthy ways to get your child to stop thumb sucking. You can buy sugar-free sweets for your child to suck on. Some parents even buy their child finger puppets to keep the child entertained and less likely to indulge in thumb sucking.
Do Not Nag
Instead of nagging your child, deflect his hand away as he is about to suck and keep him busy. Older children respond better to gentle reminders. Keep your tone light and friendly to keep the child relaxed. Inform your childcare provider as well. That way, he or she will be able to do the same when you are not around.
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If it is getting harder to stop, the habit on your own, it is time to bring in the big guns. Take your child to visit a pediatrician or dentist. A professional is trained in dealing with the situation and will be able to help convince your child to stop sucking his or her thumb. You can go online and visit premierpediatrics.net/. Browse through their various locations to find one nearest you. Premier Pediatrics – Your Cedar City Pediatrician has qualified professionals who can help your child by providing various tips and tools to prevent thumb sucking.
Maria Codilla is a writer for The Content Authority, a Dentistry student and the mother of Martina and Marchelli. Both were successfully weaned from thumb sucking at the age of 11 months and 10 months respectively..