Help her to stop sucking her thumb


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By Dr Richard C. Woolfson

Statistics confirm that at least half of all two-year-olds have a favourite comforter (a cuddly toy she loves snuggling up to) or a comfort habit (a pattern of behaviour that she uses to soothe herself). You can be sure your toddler isn’t the only one who has her thumb in her mouth. While you may disapprove of this habit, you shouldn’t worry too much. In most instances, a child does it for one simple reason: She likes it because it is familiar, under her control and soothes her.

True, thumb-sucking can be a sign of underlying emotional insecurity with older kids, but this is rarely the case with two-year-olds. In fact, there can be potential psychological benefits. Studies have revealed that a child who has a comfort habit at this age often has better relationships with other kids once she starts school. She is less likely to be shy or lacking in self-confidence, and even less likely to experience nightmares. Most kids spontaneously kick the habit before reaching school age, largely because they become aware that their friends think the habit is babyish. (Social pressure can be very influential.)

But you may still be anxious to help her grow out of the need. You think it makes her look immature, and there are also health concerns. For example, constant thumb-sucking can cause a break in the skin, or the skin on her thumb to turn very red and sore. Dentists also warn that the habit beyond the age of three or four years could potentially push a child’s front teeth out of shape.

So, if you want to give your little one a helping hand, try these tricks:

= Avoid battles Her habit may become more entrenched if you start fighting with her over it. There is also the danger that battles over thumb-sucking might teach your two-year-old that this is a great way to grab your attention. So try not to become annoyed with her when you see her thumb straying towards her mouth.

=Stay away from extreme measures Resist the temptation to put bad-tasting liquid, chilli sauce or medicated oil on her thumb. Chances are she’ll simply get used to the taste or suck a different finger instead. Instead, just say “no” to her and then gently but firmly remove her thumb from her mouth.

=Expect resistance Although your child can’t fully explain why she likes to do it, the fact is she does enjoy the habit, and she won’t see any reason to change things at the moment. So, expect some resistance each time you say: “Take your thumb out of your mouth.” Persist with your discouragement anyway.

=Use distractions The lure of an interesting toy that is presented towards her thumb-sucking hand will be enough motivation for her to reach for the object. That’s often an effective way of encouraging your two-year-old to remove her thumb from her mouth herself, without you having to give any instruction.

=Expect slow progress Your toddler needs time to change – her habit won’t stop immediately, despite all your efforts. Have confidence in your parenting skills. Remember that each time she goes for any length of time without thumb-sucking, it is a sign of progress.

=Praise the positives Whenever your child obeys your instruction to stop sucking, or whenever she plays without indulging in the habit, tell her how happy you are with her new behaviour. Another way to reward her for not sucking her thumb is to point out that she looks like a “big girl” now.

From Young Parents issue

Help her to stop sucking her thumb

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