How To Stop Thumb Sucking In Kids

Add as a preferred source on Google

Thumb sucking is a common habit in babies to relieve their sucking reflex. There is nothing to worry or to get tensed when your baby sucks her thumb because it is quite a natural response. But, if this habit is expressed by a kid, it is not a normal case. Experts say that this habit should decrease by the age of 2-3. By the age of 5, thumb sucking should ideally stop completely. However, how to get rid of thumb sucking remains as a subject of debate among parents all around the globe.

If your kid still has the habit of thumb sucking, you have to be aware of the side effects that your kid has to experience. It will change the structure of the gum and teeth. This can in turn lead to speech problems as well due to the change in the teeth structure.

12 BEST & GOOD HABITS KIDS SHOULD HAVE

The habit of thumb sucking in your kid may make you anxious and stressed. The main reason behind your stress will be the question ‘how to get rid of thumb sucking.’ The longer a kid suck his thumb, the more impairment his teeth and gum will experience.

You may get advice from all quarters on how to get rid of thumb sucking. However, we have for you these easy and effective tips that may help you stop the thumb sucking habit in your child.

Gloves: It is a good idea to put gloves, covering your kid’s fingers before going to bed. This may be an embarrassing experience for you at the beginning watching your kid struggling to get his fingers free. But, you will get a positive result over time. NAIL BITING IN KIDS, A PROBLEM?

Distraction: Try to distract the concentration of your kid, so that they will not even think of sucking his/her thumb. This may test your patience, but over time, your child will stop the habit of thumb sucking.

Make them understand: Let your kid know the health effects of thumb sucking. This may not give a sudden response. But, as your kid hears this over and over again, they will understand that this is a bad habit. So to get rid of thumb sucking, this will be the best solution.

Don’t make fun of your kid: It is an important point to remember while trying to get rid of the thumb sucking habit of your kid. Don’t embarrass your kid in front of others. This may make them more stressed.

Outdoor games: Let your kid go out and play with other kids. This will also let them know that other kids don’t have the habit of thumb sucking. This will be a good idea to stop your child's habit of thumb sucking.

Be patient: Breaking the thumb sucking habit of your kid demands a lot of patience. You may have to try many methods and have to wait for a considerable period of time. There's not quick fix remedy for this, so be patient with your child while he learns to break this habit.

Try these tips and help your child get rid of the habit of thumb sucking.