Thumb Sucking
| Health And Fitness : Top Health Tips The Thumb Sucking Habit Doc Says: At 11 some kids are still sucking their thumbs. Never at school, or a friends house, but at home when lost in thought. Maybe while watching t. v. or falling asleep. Some parents worry that they’ll still be sucking, when they go off to college. Many experts agree that thumb sucking is simply a habit, not a problem. Under five, the best policy is too ignore it. Especially if it doesn’t seem to be harming the teeth or fingers. But problems can occur if the child, is vigorously sucking after age five. The child may be at risk for buck teeth, malformation of the sucked fingers, or thumbs and fungal infections under the nails. Frequent sucking can take a social toll, once a child starts school or preschool. The jokes and teasing from class mates starts, and you may want to take some action beforehand. Here Are Some Ways To Help: Tune Into Their Signals Take note of what your child is doing, at the time the thumb goes into the mouth. He may be tired, hungry, or bored. For instance if he is bored, suggest that he reads a book. Or find a solution to tired and hungry. Sometimes dragging around a teddy, or a blanket can trigger sucking. So mom make it a rule that teddy and the blanket stay in the bedroom. Give Him A Reason to Quit Explain that the children in school will make fun of him, once he starts Kindergarten. Or explain that the pressure from the thumb could harm his teeth. Have the pediatrician, or dentist mention this also. Sometimes children will listen to others, before they listen to their own parents. Discuss Possible Solutions With Your Child Once you have agreed on a solution with your child, only remind him if needed. You let him have control of doing for himself otherwise. He feels more in charge this way. Reward Success Give little treats or rewards. Something your child gets, once his endeavor to kick the habit, has been accomplished. They need something to look forward to. Example give your child a star, for every day he gets through without sucking. Make a chart. Then you and your child will have to decide, how many stars he has to collect, before getting a new toy for instance. Play Dot To Dot This game can give your child a sense of control. Find a picture in a magazine of a treat your child would like. Then put a white sheet of paper over the picture. Draw dots along the outline of the treat. Post the dot to dot game in your child’s room. If your child doesn’t suck his thumb all day, he gets to connect two dots. When all dots are connected your child gets the thing he has drawn. On the days that your child feels he must suck, then no dots will be connected. But your child is still the one in control. Your child’s thumb goes in his mouth by automatic pilot. Sp parents you need a way to warn your child, his thumb is moving towards his mouth. You need to discuss with your child , and pick something that will remind him of what he is doing. Maybe a small adhesive bandage around the thumb would do the trick. Or you could put a little vinegar on the bandage. You could try putting some gloves, or socks over the hands while they sleep. Parents Need To Offer And Encouraging Word Don’t underestimate just how difficult, breaking the habit is for your child. Thumb sucking is a very rewarding habit. So doing without it creates a feeling of loss or emptiness. Much like what adults feel, when they kick a smoking habit. So encourage your child frequently. But be patient. This habit can take up to at least 30 days to subside.
 Questions about thumbs:
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