10 Common Bad Habits In Kids And Tips To Prevent Them

1. Nail biting

Nail biting is one of the most common childhood habits and it is estimated that 28 to 33 per cent of children between 7 to 10 years of age bite their nails. The causes of nail biting could be due to several reasons such as stress, imitating other family members, heredity, poorly manicured nails and transference from the thumb sucking habit [1].

Prolonged nail biting can lead to bacterial infection, damage to the nails and cuticles and dental problems.

Tips to prevent it:

• If nail biting is due to stress, try to address the problem.
• If nail biting isn't due to stress, you can apply nail polish or try to engage them in paper crafts where their hands will be constantly working.
• If your child is older, explain them that why they shouldn't bite their nails and what complications it may lead to.

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2. Hair twirling

Hair twirling is a common habit seen in girls and they most often do it when they are bored, tired or relaxed. Hair twirling can lead to minimal hair loss. Usually, kids outgrow this habit when they grow old and for those who don't simple behaviour modification can help them stop the habit [2]. However, if kids continue to twirl their hair even when they grow old, then it could be a sign of depression, anxiety or obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD).

Tips to prevent it:

• Engage your child in interesting activities so that they do not get bored.

3. Nose picking

Nose picking is another common habit in children. Parents find this habit the most annoying because it is one of the least socially acceptable habits. Also, continuously nose picking can cause an injury to the delicate tissues of the nose, resulting in bleeding from the nose [3].

Tips to prevent it:

• Gently tell your child that nose picking is a bad thing and encourage them to use a tissue.
• You can also put on hand gloves to prevent them from picking their noses.

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4. Thumb sucking

Thumb and finger sucking typically starts in the first few months of a child's life. However, many children outgrow this habit when they tend to grow older between two to four years of age. Thumb sucking has a soothing, calming effect and often helps children go to sleep. But, frequently thumb sucking can lead to dental problems, thumb or finger infections and dryness of the skin [4].

Tips to prevent it:

• If your child is older explain why the habit is bad and offer them praises and rewards whenever they stop doing it.
• Keep your child busy in interesting activities.
• You can try applying some juice on the thumb extracted from vegetables which are bitter in taste. This can stop them from sucking their thumb.

5. Head banging

Head banging is another common bad habit that usually begins when a child is nine months old and resolves around the age of two. Head banging refers to when a child repeatedly hits their head against a solid object such as a crib. This can be distressing for the parents as it can cause injury to the child. Most children do this habit as it offers comfort and releases their frustration.

Tips to prevent it:

• If stress is the cause, addressing the problem is the best way to deal with this habit.

6. Teeth grinding

Half of all infants of normal development have the habit of teeth grinding or bruxism. Teeth grinding begins at the age of six months when the baby teeth start growing and again at the age of five when the permanent teeth have set. Teeth grinding mainly occur during sleep. While most children outgrow this habit, it may continue till adulthood. Teeth grinding can become a cause of concern when permanent teeth have set in and can cause dental problems or a disorder of the jaw joint [5].

Tips to prevent it:

• Regular dental check-ups can help prevent teeth damage.

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7. Lip biting or sucking

The most common reasons of lip biting or sucking are dry lips, stress or misalignment of teeth. Continuous lip sucking or biting may result in red, swollen lip and skin around the mouth [6].

Tips to prevent it:

• Apply lip balm or petroleum jelly to treat dry or chapped lips.
• During a stressful situation, divert your child's attention.

8. Touching private parts

Children love to touch and explore their body parts and sometimes they tend to explore their genitals as well. They feel comfort when they touch their genitals, but when they do it in public it can be quite embarrassing.

Tips to prevent it:

• Educate your child about body parts.
• Distract the child when they are doing it in public.

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9. Bad eating habits

Some children have the habit of snacking or munching the whole day and as a result, they do not feel hungry during mealtimes. Untimely snacking habit can lead to obesity in children.

Tips to prevent it:

• Set a time schedule for meals.
• Offer your child healthy and nutritious snacks to stop them from consuming junk food.

10. Lying frequently

Children often lie to escape from punishment or to get something they want. Children can learn to lie from an early age, usually when they are around three years.

Tips to prevent it:

• Encourage your child to tell the truth and teach them the importance of honesty.