How to Stop Thumb Sucking

Thumb sucking is one of the first coordinated acts a baby can do that brings comfort and pleasure. Most kids outgrow the behavior by their preschool years and up until that point it's relatively harmless. Though beyond preschool it can be a problem once permanent teeth start coming in. The best way to get your child to stop sucking her thumb is to find ways to help her do it on her own.

Instructions

1. Give your child extra attention and observe if conflicts or anxiety provoke thumb sucking. If so, help him find more healthful ways to deal with stress.

2. Reward your child for progress made towards her goal. Don't think of it as a bribe because it's something she earned through effort.

3. Paint something that taste bad on his thumb, like vinegar or pickle juice. Don't do it forcefully or without his permission, but as a way of helping him achieve his goal. Then when he's engaged in television and sticks his thumb in his mouth out of habit, the bad taste will quickly remind him of what he's trying to accomplish.

4. Distract your child when you see her putting her thumb in her mouth. If you engage her in an activity that requires both hands, she'll have to take her thumb out of her mouth to do the task.

5. Invite friends over that don't suck their thumbs for frequent play dates. Peer pressure is a powerful motivator and if he surrounds himself with kids who don't suck their thumbs, it will be easier for him to not suck his.

Tips & Warnings

• Never punish or shame your child to resolve the problem. These types of negative actions will hurt his self esteem and only add to his anxiety.