How to Stop a Child's Nose Picking

Nose picking is a nasty habit that many children have difficulty stopping. Often children are unaware of what they are doing and the habit can be born out of boredom. Instead of yelling at your child, you can try some simple tactics to help him stop.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

1. Point out the reason that this type of behavior is unacceptable. Explain that nose picking can spread germs and insist that they wash their hands if they are caught doing it. Encourage them to use a tissue instead of their fingers.
2. Involve your child in breaking habit. Ask them for suggestions on how you can help them to stop. They can possibly give you some insight into why they pick their nose.
3. Keep your child occupied in order to prevent them from picking their nose because of boredom. Ask them to help you out in the kitchen or recommend a couple of craft projects for them to do.
4. Reward the child's good behavior. If your child exhibits self control, give them some sort of small prize of their choosing. Make ending the habit something that they can be proud of accomplishing.
5. Make an appointment with your child's physician. Sometimes nose picking can be a result of health problems, including a stuffy nose. Speaking to a doctor can help you rule out medical problems and the physician can possibly offer some advice on how to deal with the nose picking.

Tips & Warnings

• Over the counter products may help your child combat the medical issues that are causing the nose picking. If the child is suffering from a dry nose, purchase a humidifier or offer saline nasal spray.
• Do not ignore the behavior and presume that the child will stop without any assistance. Habitual nose picking can start during childhood and drift into adulthood.
• Do not ridicule your child's nose picking. This is not an effective technique and may just cause the behavior to escalate.