Contents
Tips for Parents to Help Kids Stop Thumb Sucking
It’s natural for young children to find comfort in thumb sucking. But as they reach a certain age, it is important to help them break the habit. If your child is still thumb sucking, here are some tips for parents to support them in stopping.
Create a Plan
Creating a plan to break the habit and following it together is important. To start, set realistic goals with your child. You can reward them for reaching the goal or working towards it.
Choose a Replacement
Find a substitute activity or object for your child to use for comfort in place of thumb sucking. It can be anything from hugging a stuffed animal to reading a book. This way, your child will have something else to turn to when feeling anxious or bored.
Talk Openly
Discuss the issue openly with your child and ask them questions. Explain why thumb sucking is bad and explain the positives of stopping thumb sucking. Talk to them in a way they understand. If you make it a positive thing, they are more likely to respond positively.
Consult a Pediatrician
Consult with a pediatrician about your child’s thumb sucking. They can provide helpful tips and resources for helping to stop the habit. The pediatrician may also suggest treatments such as a special mouth guard if the thumb sucking is causing any problems with your child’s teeth.
Avoid Nagging
It can be difficult, but try to not nag your child while they are trying to stop thumb sucking. As tempting as it may be, nagging can actually aggravate the situation.
Tips For Health Professionals to Break Children’s Thumb Sucking Habits
For health professionals, supporting parents and children with thumb sucking can also be a challenge. Here are some tips for health professionals to help children break the habit.
Listen First
The first step is to be an active listener and a supportive person. Always begin with a respectful and non-judgmental attitude. Encourage and remind the child to talk openly about the habit without shaming them.
Identify the Causes
Find out why the child is sucking their thumb. It could be a result of stress, boredom, or lack of alternative activities. Identifying the cause can help you better understand the habit and how to address it.
Containment
Encourage the parents to contain the situation. Have them provide alternative activities when they notice the child sucking their thumb, such as coloring books, playing music, or having conversations.
Positive Reinforcement
Using positive reinforcement is an effective way to help break the thumb-sucking habit. This can be done with rewards, verbal praise, and special time with the parent. When reward systems are used, make sure they are age-appropriate.
Follow Up
Follow up with the child’s parents to see how their plan is progressing. Offer advice and different strategies if needed. If the child continues to struggle with the habit, suggest seeking further help from a pediatric dentist or doctor.
Breaking the thumb sucking habit can be difficult for both parents and children. But with the right support and plan, parents and health professionals can work together to help the child break this habit.