Babies have a natural instinct to suck, and many find solace in sucking their thumb or fingers - even before birth. It is a common behavior for young children, who quit on their own when they reach school age. For some children (and adults), however, thumb sucking is a difficult habit to break. This article gives you tips on how to help adults and children stop thumb sucking.
Steps
Method 1 of 2: Get a Child to Stop Sucking Thumb
Step 1. Assess if the child has a problem
Thumb sucking is a normal and natural behavior for many children, and it is something they do to find comfort and relieve anxiety. Generally, it does not need to be corrected if it does not continue after 2-4 years of age; most children will stop doing this before kindergarten. However, if you notice any of the following, thumb sucking could be a problem.
- It is causing dental problems. Thumb sucking can in some cases affect a child's bite, the alignment of his teeth, or the development of the palate.
- It is causing social problems. Thumb sucking children can be teased, marginalized, or bullied.
- It is causing medical problems. Sucking your thumb persistently can cause the skin on your thumb to crack, shrivel, or crack. It can prevent the nail from developing properly, or even cause infections under and around the nail.
Step 2. Pay attention to triggers
Many children only suck their thumbs at certain times, such as before falling asleep or in the car. Others do it to find comfort when they feel hurt or upset. In many cases, they may not notice that they are sucking their thumb. Learning about the factors that trigger your child's habit can give you clues to find the best method to help him quit.
Step 3. Ignore the problem
Children often use attitudes such as thumb sucking to get adult attention; they can also become battlegrounds for power struggles between parents and children. The more you talk or focus on the behavior, the more the child will continue. If you suspect this is the case, try to ignore the habit for a while. Spend a month and see what happens. Your baby may stop sucking his thumb on his own.
Step 4. Use positive reinforcement
Positive reinforcement is one of the best ways to encourage behavior changes in children. Give your baby praise when Not he sucks his thumb. You could also organize a reward system. Put a sticker on the calendar for each day your baby doesn't suck his thumb. At the end of a week when the baby hasn't sucked his thumb, give him a small reward or treat - like an extra story before bed or a little toy. At the end of a month, give him a bigger reward, maybe a special trip. Gradually extend the amount of time required to earn rewards.
Step 5. Cover your thumb
A covered thumb will not taste and feel the same as a bare thumb, and this will often be enough to make many babies quit. Try using patches, finger gloves, a small finger puppet, or a thimble. If your baby sucks his thumb mostly at night, try putting a potholder or sock on his hand.
Step 6. Distract the child with activities that require two hands
It is difficult for a child to suck their thumb if they are using it. Keep your child busy with drawings, outdoor games, constructions, puzzles, or anything that requires two hands.
Step 7. Remember to involve your child in your process
Whichever method you choose, it won't be successful if your baby doesn't want to stop sucking his thumb. You will be more successful if you can work with a willing child. Talk to your baby about why he should stop sucking his thumb. Explain your plan and make sure he understands what to expect. Ask him what might help him quit; his answer may surprise you.
Method 2 of 2: Stop Thumb Sucking
Step 1. Find out why you suck your thumb
Adults suck their thumbs for the same reasons as children: they feel calmer and find comfort. For some it is just a bad habit; for others it is a mechanism for coping with stress. Try these ideas to understand why you suck your thumb.
- Keep a diary. Whenever you find yourself sucking your thumb, write it down. Write down what is happening and what you are thinking or feeling at the moment.
- Look for patterns that repeat themselves. At the end of the week, re-read what you wrote in your journal and look for repeating patterns. You may find that you always suck your thumb when you are feeling stressed or bored, when you are watching TV, or when you are about to fall asleep.
- Be careful. Now that you are aware of your habits and patterns, be careful when you are in situations that lead you to suck your thumb. In some cases, simply being aware of your habit can help you break it.
Step 2. Find a replacement
If you find that having something in your mouth helps calm you down, try putting something else in your mouth. Try lollipops, mints, chewing gum, or candy.
Step 3. Keep your hands busy
You won't be able to suck your thumb if you're using both hands. Start a hobby like embroidery or knitting. Carry something in your pocket like a stress ball, and play with it when you feel the need to suck your thumb.
Step 4. Try negative reinforcement
Negative reinforcement isn't the best way to break a habit, but it works for some people. Apply a bitter or bad-tasting substance to your thumb. Wear an elastic band around your wrist, and give yourself a shot every time you notice your thumb sucking. Or make yourself put money in a container every time you suck your thumb.
Step 5. Get help from a professional
Some adults suck their thumbs due to severe anxiety issues, and they are unable to stop the habit until the underlying problem has been resolved. If you suspect this is the case, seek the services of a psychologist or other mental health professional.
Step 6. Use some nail polish
Some find that the taste of nail polish causes them to stop sucking their thumbs.
Advice
Products that cover the thumb or a simple sock over the hand will not work for adults and older children, because the habit is so ingrained that it cannot be broken with behavioral techniques. The only effective tools are those that prevent thumb sucking, such as mouth guards or thimbles
Warnings
- Never inflict corporal punishment on a child who sucks his thumb.
- Don't put hot sauce or pepper on a baby's thumb to stop sucking.
