Thumb sucking can be a cause of embarrassment for older children; they can become the target of teasing and criticism from their peers. If the habits persist – after the permanent teeth have erupted – it can cause dental and speech problems.
Read on to know how to discourage thumb sucking.
- Many children outgrow this problem by the time they are 5-6 years old.
- Discourage it from when you start to feel your child can understand your feelings.
- Most children suck their thumb when they sit idle. Keep your child engaged as much as possible, like with crayons, pencils, toys or clay.
- Keep them engaged in talking, as this makes thumb-sucking difficult.
- Use methods of reward or a praise system, if they avoid sucking for a period of time.
- Remind them gently if they start sucking their thumb, but avoid insulting or embarrassing them in front of others.
- If your child sucks his thumb at night, use gloves, socks or adhesive bandages to prevent it.
The key is patience; thumb sucking is an unattractive habit, but most children outgrow it.
