Thumbs, Fingers, Pacifiers, Oh My!

Fingers, thumbs, and pacifiers are all great ways for children to self soothe, but what do you do when it's time to stop?

Cross-bite, open-bite
caused by thumb habit

      At around age 4 most children no longer have a psychological need to use their fingers, thumbs, or pacifiers to alleviate stress because they have developed other coping mechanisms. At this age fingers, thumbs, and pacifiers have all become a habit left over from when the child was an infant. If the habit continues too long it can cause a bite discrepancy that will later need to be fixed by orthodontics. Additionally children who suck their thumbs are more likely to develop colds and sore-throats.

How to help your child stop
      To help your child stop their habit before it becomes a problem, begin by reducing the amount of time they spend sucking their thumb. Try to limit thumb use to bed-time only through the use of positive encouragement. This can be done by praising your child when they are not using their thumb, or by increasing their self-awareness. Periodically ask your child, "Did you know you were sucking your thumb right now?" Most children don't even realize they are doing it!  Use small rewards like a sticker on a chart to reward a period of time when a child went without sucking their thumb. Over time increase the time increment needed to earn a sticker. If your child is older, explain to them the negative outcomes of their habit and why it is important to stop. Additionally help them develop healthy coping habits such as deep breathing or taking a step back from a situation before diving in.
   
      There are other ways to help end your child's habit, but they could have negative effects. Do not use nail polish or other bitter-tasting deterrents to force your child to stop their habit. This could create unnecessary anxiety, children should feel empowered by their choice to stop not forced into it.
It is important not call your child a baby or tease them for their habit. This could cause your child to use their thumb even more than normal.

     Good luck helping your child reduce their habit, increase self-awareness, and develop other coping mechanisms! If your child is still using a thumb or finger by the age of 4 1/2 years stop on by the office. Dr. Leaf makes a habit appliance that acts as a gentle reminder to help your child end their habit.