Does your child still suck a thumb? If yes, then you should be careful because it is harmful to the child’s health. And can cause problems for the child.
Thumb sucking is as non-nutritive sucking of fingers or thumb.
Thumb sucking is considered a standard procedure until three years, but it is not normal if the child gets the thumb sucked at 5.
Sucking the thumb for a long time causes problems related to teeth, skin, and speech in the child. Apart from this, the teeth are crooked, and there is space between them.
In such a situation, it is essential that the parents quickly get rid of the thumb-sucking habit of their child.
Table of Contents
Why does children suck thumb?
The child has a habit of sucking anything in the mouth, due to which he puts a thumb in the mouth; by doing this, he feels comfortable, and they do this only when they are sure to sleep.
I have already covered:
Easy ways to stop thumb sucking
Most children stop thumb sucking before entering kindergarten. You know your child well. Some strategies work for older children who want to stop thumb sucking.
Apply bitter nail polish
Nail polish with a bad taste on a finger can prevent thumb-sucking habit.
Open up a dialogue
Some children do not realize that thumb sucking is a habit which they should not pursue. Ask your child about thumb sucking —why they suck their thumb. Does it feel good? Do they even know they’re doing it?
Use a finger guard
There are kits available in the market and online designed to physically prevent your child from sucking their thumb. These are childproof and chemical-free, so your child can’t remove them.
Try role-playing
If the children have a favourites stuffed animal or toy, use it to your advantage! Ask your children if they can help Teddy by setting a good example and offering suggestions.
To learn more, you can read:
When do children stop sucking the thumb?
Children often start sucking the thumb at the age of 6 to 7 months, and their activity continues for another four years.
Some children stop thinking of the thumb by themselves. But it has been seen somewhere that when children are under stress, they start sucking the thumb again.
According to the American Academy, all children are born with an intense need to suck. And that is a good thing because sucking is how babies eat from the breast or a bottle.
Conclusion
If your child continues sucking his thumb even after entering kindergarten, it becomes worrying for the parents.
If you cannot help your child get rid of the habit of thumb licking, you should contact the child’s doctor. They will evaluate your child’s mouth, and later they can point you to the next step.
Here are a couple of articles, which you should definitely read:
- 2 Year Old Temper Tantrums Child: How To Deal With Temper Tantrums?
- Factors Affecting Growth and Developments of Child
- 5 Year Old Temper Tantrums: Symptoms, Causes, Treatment
- How Parenting a Child with Conduct Disorder?
Do let me know what other homemade tips you follow to prevent extreme thumb sucking in your child? Share your tips in the comment below!
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