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Thumb sucking is an infantile reflex that starts from the womb. A large majority of infants suck their thumbs and this habit goes on till about 2-4 years of age.
Thumb sucking has become a notorious, double edged sword – on one hand it comforts the child and on the other hand it can cause problems in teething and alignment of teeth called as orthodontia. By sucking, children learn a lot about their world and decide what is pleasing for them and what is uncomfortable.
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Thumb suckers also soothe themselves to sleep especially when they are tired. While thumb sucking in moderate amounts is a normal part of growing up, the concern arises when children continue to suck right into childhood especially when their permanent teeth start to come in.
The more earnestly the child sucks his/her thumb, the graver the dental problems. Some of the techniques mentioned below work effectively in getting your child rid of the thumb sucking habit.
Ways To Stop Thumb Sucking
Distraction
Distraction works wonderfully well for infant, toddlers and children. Amuse the child with interesting toys so that the child is tempted to remove his/her thumb and use the other hand to grab the toy.
Distraction is an effective strategy to reduce the habit. Most children suck their thumbs because they are bored. By engaging and entertaining your child, he/she will soon tire of thumb sucking, as he/she follows pursuits that are more active.
Motivate The Child
Nagging rarely works in such cases. Instead, draw the child’s attention to the habits that he/she has given up and whether there is anything else that the child would like to get rid of. Once the child suggests thumb sucking, motivate him/her to give up that habit.
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Use Other Authority Figures
Children become immune to their parents after some time and rarely listen. Try coaxing another figure of authority in helping your child get rid of the habit. For instance, the child’s dentist or paediatrician can help the child to get rid of the habit with words of encouragement.
Peer Group
Make sure that the child is actively involved with his/her playmates who do not thumb suck. Sometimes their influence can get the child rid of the habit. Besides, the child will be adequately distracted, engaged in play, and may not feel inclined to suck his /her thumb.
Reward The Child
This strategy works when the child understands and is ready to give up the habit. Mark each day on the calendar when the child does not suck his/her thumb and reward the child at the end of the month. This motivates and reinforces the child’s positive efforts.
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Never Shout
Never shout, scold or hit the child. This strategy backfires and reinforces the thumb sucking habit.
Use Fluid Therapy
Apply some vinegar on the child’s thumb or some other unpleasant tasting fluid. While this is marginally cruel, it will serve as a reminder and a motivator to help the child quit the habit.
Thumb Guards
Thumb guards are plastic contraptions that cover the child’s thumb. They break the vacuum and the sensation of pleasure that the child derives from sucking. Alternately, you can also use mittens or gloves on a very small child.
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