Does your little one still have a finger in his mouth even though he's a little older? Maybe he notices this habit while watching TV, when he's bored, or when he's sleeping. Many parents are a little worried about this. 'Oh, is this the only habit my child has? Will this be a big problem?' You might be thinking. Don't worry. This is actually something that is seen among many children . Let's talk about this clearly today.
Why do young children suck their thumbs? Is this normal?
In fact, thumb sucking is a very normal and beneficial habit for very young babies. Doctors say that it is not a good idea to force a child under the age of five to stop this habit.
Simply put, it's a way for babies to self-pacify themselves . When they're bored, tired, or sad or scared, they automatically put their fingers in their mouths. Just like we do something to calm ourselves down when we're sad. You've probably noticed that some babies twirl their hair, touch an ear, or rub their little blankie while sucking their fingers. These are all things that make them feel safe and comfortable.
The important thing is that a child's thumb sucking does not mean that he has a mental problem, nor does it mean that he will continue to have this habit when he grows up. Most children automatically give up this habit when they start school (kindergarten).
So, when should we worry about this?
As children get older and move beyond preschool age, the number of children who suck their thumbs gradually decreases. However, surveys show that about one in five children continue to do so after the age of 5. This is when we need to be a little more careful. There are several reasons for this:
- Social issues: This is the age when other children start to tease and ostracize them. When friends say, "He's still sucking his thumb," it can be very upsetting to a child. Therefore, other children may learn to avoid playing with them and avoid them.
- Damage to teeth: This is a concern that many parents have. Children's permanent teeth start to come in around the age of 5. If they continue to suck their thumbs during this time, there is a high chance that their teeth will become pulled out and protrude forward ( overbite ) .
- Speech difficulties: Some children have difficulty pronouncing certain letters due to differences in their teeth, especially tongue-tip sounds like "s".
- Physical problems: Constant finger sucking can cause the skin on the finger to dry out and crack. Sometimes calluses develop, nails may not grow properly, and fingernail infections can occur.
How can I help stop this habit? - With love and patience
If your child is still thumb-sucking at the age of 5-6, we should think about ways to help them stop. But remember, it's not a good idea to force them to stop all at once.
The most important thing is that scolding, blaming, or trying to force your child to take their finger out of their mouth only creates a power struggle between you and the child. If that happens, the child may be tempted to do the same thing even more recklessly.
In fact, after the age of 6, many children want to stop this habit, but they need a little help. The child also needs to be involved in this.
| Step-by-step plan to break the habit | |
|---|---|
| Steps | What to do |
| Step 1: Stop the story | Don't talk about thumb-sucking for about a month. Maybe the habit will subside just by not drawing attention to it. |
| Step 2: A Progress Chart | Get a poster board and make a nice 'progress chart' with your child. Let them put a sticker on each day they don't pick their finger. Promise a small gift for a week, and a big gift for a month. |
| Step 3: Little reminders | Especially at night, apply something bitter to the nails. There are liquids for this at pharmacies. Or you can use some perfume you have at home. Let the child choose the scent and apply a little on the tip of their finger. |
| Step 4: Other tricks | Wear mittens/gloves when you sleep at night. Or you can put a small bandage on your finger. |
Your child needs your love a lot during this time!
When trying to break this habit , praise your child a lot. Even if he shows little success, say, "That's great, son/daughter." Hug him, take him to a place he likes, play together. Be aware of times when he feels like sucking his thumb, such as when watching TV or when riding in the car. At that time, divert your child's attention to something else. Give him a toy, tell him a story, or let him do something to keep his hands busy.
What if these methods are not successful?
If you haven't broken the habit after doing all of this, don't worry. Some habits take a while to break and may require more help.
In such a case, the first thing you should do is talk to your doctor about this. He or she can examine your child and give you the best advice. They may also refer you to a dentist.
Dentists may recommend the use of a small oral appliance, called a 'palatal bar' or 'crib'. These are used to physically prevent thumb sucking when placed in the mouth.
If you can't break the habit despite your best efforts, it could be a sign of a deeper issue in your child's mind. For example, it could be stress from family problems or school problems. In such cases, it may be a good idea to seek the help of a mental health professional , on the advice of a doctor .
Take-Home Message
- It's normal for a child under the age of 5 to suck their thumb. It's a way they use to soothe themselves.
- If this habit continues after the age of 5, it can cause problems with teeth and social relationships.
- Avoid punishing or scolding your child to help them break the habit. Instead, help them with love, patience, and encouragement.
- Use positive methods like 'progress notes' and small gifts, and involve the child in this process.
- If your efforts are unsuccessful, don't panic and consult your doctor for advice.
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