Infants chew almost everything, especially when at the teething stage as they are still learning and exploring the world around them. However, an older child would sometimes develop a habit of putting the neckline, the hem of their shirt, and the cuff into their mouth, per Romper. They may suck or chew on the fabric to the point that it will soon develop holes or wear thin.
However, parents might worry that such behavior will draw certain criticisms from teachers or peers as being linked with certain mental health or developmental problems. Monal Patel, an occupational therapist at Blue Bird Day Program in Chicago, said oral stimulation plays a critical role in children's development as oral motor seeking is actually rooted in the most basic methods of calming or self-regulation. Thus, from infancy to toddlerhood, the child utilizes a rooting reflex to meet the basic needs of thirst and hunger. Thereafter, they may use such rooting and sucking patterns to soothe themselves which may often appear in the form of thumb-sucking and pacifiers.
Some children may still seek to stimulate their jaws and mouths, beyond the toddler years. This is commonly known in the occupational therapy world as proprioceptive input.
When should parents worry about shirt chewing?
Patel explained that such deep pressure can appear very soothing to little kids especially when they seek ways to calm themselves that are predictable and self-directed. The child who self-soothes may chew on their shirt simply because it's readily accessible.
Laura Grashow, PsyD, a licensed pediatric clinical psychologist at the Child & Family in Scarsdale, New York, added that although it appears to be natural and deeply rooted behavior, it doesn't mean it should be ignored by parents as the child ages. Usually, by the age of three, children would stop putting things in their mouths and exploring things this way. However, Grashow has seen fourth and fifth grades grab their shirt collars and put them into their mouths.
Dr. Grashow added that shirt chewing may just be a harmless way that your child seeks sensory input or focuses on themselves. Think of how many older children and grown-ups bite their nails or chew gums when they are nervous or concentrating. However, it's important to determine if such a habit hinders the child's ability to participate in certain daily routines or is posing a safety concern, per Very Well Family.
Stopping your child from chewing on shirts?
Dr. Grashow explains that shirt chewing can also be a sign of ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder), anxiety, or a developmental issue, therefore, it's a great idea to let your child's doctor know if it is a chronic habit your kids have trouble controlling.
Dianna Fitts, an occupational therapist with The Sensory Toolbox, an online store and website that mainly focuses on children with sensory issues, said some little kids chew on their shirts because of a sensory need, usually known as "stimming." This behavior such as chewing can provide children with the sensory input they are currently craving.
Hence, when worried, you can stop your child's habit simply by identifying the pattern. Identify if the habit of chewing is more often at school or home. If there's a pattern, it would be much easier for you to identify what leads the child to chew on their shirts, Griffinot says.
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