How to Stop a Preschooler From Biting Their Nails
Many parents are faced with the dilemma of a preschooler who incessantly bites his nails. According to KidsHealth.org, this issue can be found in approximately 30 to 60 percent of children. The cause of the biting can have several roots, including habit, boredom and stress. Nail biting is a common problem for both preschool boys and girls and is not only an undesirable habit, but also unsanitary. There are several ways to stop a preschooler from biting his nails.
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Instructions
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Help the child become aware of the problem. For many preschoolers, nail biting is a habit that they may not even be aware is happening. Each time the child bites his nails, tap him on the shoulder or squeeze his hand gently as a way to remind him that he should not be biting his nails.
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Offer the child an alternative to sucking on his nails. For instance, give him a raw carrot or piece of celery to chew on instead of biting his nails. He can also be distracted with a game of catch or a box of crayons and a coloring book.
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Cover the nails with a coat of bitter tasting nail polish. These polishes can be found at drug stores and contain several products, including cayenne pepper, that will be unpleasant for the child to taste.
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Trim the preschooler's nails as short as possible. A child that does not have any nails to chew on will be less likely to perform the undesirable habit.
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Cover the fingernails with adhesive bandages. The bandages will not only make it more difficult for the preschooler to access the nails, they will also serve as a reminder to the child that he should not be chewing on them.
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Reward the child for each day or week he does not chew on his nails. Give him a favorite dessert after dinner or take him to a movie.
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References
- Photo Credit little preschooler image by Renata Osinska from Fotolia.com
