Babies learn thumb sucking while inside the womb. And once they come out into the world, it is where they turn to when they seek comfort. Babies suck thumb or finger when they want to sleep, to calm down, or to just feel good.
Thumb or finger sucking is normal for the first few months of life. And it does not affect any development of the child. However, up to what age is finger sucking acceptable? And how soon should you control their sucking?
Talk about thumb sucking
Talk to your child about thumb sucking. Tell him that you will be there to help if he is ready to stop. This will empower them to stop.
Practice Self Awareness
When your child is doing the deed, tell him to make him aware of this habit, and help him find another habit - you may give him a blanket or any stuffed animal that he loves.
Help Him Understand
You may use their favorite superhero or cartoon character to tell them that their idols do not suck thumbs. This will make them want to stop thumb sucking.
Do Not Criticize
Kids do better when they are being praised. Try to praise your child when he is not sucking. You will notice them slowly giving up thumb sucking.
Do Not Prohibit When It is Needed
Let your child suck when he needs to be comforted. If you try to take it away, it might cause more trauma.
Do Not Use Nasty Tasting Stuff
Other parents apply nasty tasting stuff to their kid's thumb to stop them from sucking. It is too cruel, said Berman.
Do Not Give Gloves or Mittens as Substitute
Giving gloves or mittens to suck will just frustrate a child more resulting to more thumb sucking.
Others Automatically Outgrow Thumb Sucking
Sometimes, a child would outgrow thumb sucking in his own pace, and it would be best not to control him at the moment. Here's why.
