Mothers wonder if there is anything that they can do to stop their child’s thumb sucking habit. Parents should realize that kids are people too. They experience stress and anxiety provoking situations like adults. Adults cope with stress and anger through talking, actions, or getting away. Kids cope with stress by thumb sucking or finger sucking. Thumb sucking is a bad habit that might lead to serious health related issues. Thumb sucking places a tremendous amount of pressure on the child’s jaw and mouth area. This results in misaligned teeth that require braces. Here are 6 clever ways, courtesy of Eastgate Dental Centre, to stop thumb-sucking for good.
Don’t Stress Out
Don’t get stressed out because your kid is still sucking their thumb. Demanding that the child stop sucking their thumb, places even more stress on the child. Many kids are smart and know how to manipulate parents. They use thumb-sucking to gain the parent’s attention. Remember, every child eventually stops sucking their thumb. Some stop sooner. Others later.
Substitutions
Thumb-sucking is unconscious behavior in many kids. Ask the child if they are aware that they are still sucking their thumb. This brings direct attention to the habit and creates awareness. Offer the child a toy or stuffed animal to play with instead.
Rewards
Reward the child every time that they resist sucking their thumb with a special treat, trip, extra play time, staying up an hour later. Here is an idea. Reward the child with a gold star sticker for every day that they resist sucking their thumb. At the end of 30, 60, 90 days they receive a toy, book, or video game.
Triggers
Parent’s should notice the events that trigger thumb sucking. It usually is around some stressful situation. For example, the child starts thumb sucking before going to school or before bed. Offer them a hug and gentle words to reduce the stress.
Talk
Talk it over with your child in a gentle voice. Tell them that they are growing up. Big boys and girls do not suck their thumb. Often, a little talking goes a long way in convincing the child to stop the habit.
Praise
Praise the child every time that you notice that they are not sucking their thumb. Give them a hug and encouraging words. Ignore thumb sucking behavior and avoid any type of criticism. This encourages a quick change in behavior.
My son never did any thumb sucking, just binkies!