How to Get Kids to Stop Sucking on Their Thumbs
When they're babies, it's cute. But when young children are still sucking their thumbs, most parents start to worry. Thumb sucking is a soothing, calming behavior that often relaxes babies and can even help put them to sleep. For young children, though, thumb sucking can turn into a bad habit that's hard to break. With a little coaxing and the right approach, a parent can help a child quit sucking her thumb when the time is right.
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Instructions
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Learn what research says about thumb sucking and why some toddlers adopt the habit in the first place. Thumb sucking is one of the top four habits that young children adopt, according to Kidshealth.org, probably mostly because sucking a thumb is convenient and somewhat comforting. Parents should only worry if it continues after the age of 4 or 5 and is regular or intense, which can lead to "dental problems (such as overbite), thumb or finger infections and being teased," the site explains.
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Wait for your child to be ready to give up the behavior if she is younger than 4 or 5 years old. Trying to forcibly put a stop to thumb sucking by telling your child not to do it will only encourage the habit. Instead, wait until your child naturally asks you about it or finds a reason to quit.
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Try using positive reinforcement and praise if you have waited for some time and the behavior still lingers. For example, you might give your child a gold star on a chart or calendar for each day you don't see the behavior and work toward a greater reward, such as a toy car or building blocks. You might also try praising your child for how grown up he is. Be sure to mention all of the "baby" things he no longer uses, such as diapers and a high chair. Ask him what else he thinks he should give up now that he is "a big boy."
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Draw attention away from the thumb sucking when you see it happening. Instead, engage your child in an activity that requires two hands or movement. The Babyzone website suggests having your child "hold the book you are reading or hug a stuffed animal with each arm" at bedtime, when children are more drawn to suck their thumbs.
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Monitor the habit and be patient. Thumb sucking does not stop overnight, but it should decrease with time and a little healthy encouragement from parents or peers. Instead of getting frustrated, remind your child in a friendly way when you notice her putting her thumb in her mouth through a secret signal that is shared between the two of you. Before you know it, your child will likely stop sucking her thumb altogether.
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Tips & Warnings
Plan ahead and know how you will reward your child when he refrains from thumb sucking. If you promised a special toy after four weeks with 25 good days of no thumb sucking, for example, then buy the toy ahead of time, so you can fulfill your promise when the time comes. Consistency is key with young children. It builds love, respect and trust.
Avoid frustration, yelling or negative reinforcement that will make your child feel bad or sad. Highlighting the negative might affect a child's self-esteem or make it seem like there is no way out of thumb sucking, which the child could possibly now equate with failing or "messing up."
References
- Photo Credit little boy lying image by Maciej Zatonski from Fotolia.com
