Thumb sucking is a behavior that is found in many children from a very tender age. Reasons may vary from comfort, hunger, safety, and pleasure. Many outgrow this habit in a short time, while for the other parents need to give a helping hand to quit this habit.
Here are some ways by which parents can help children overcome thumb sucking:
1. Awareness – Let him/her know impacts on their teeth and that it is also not good social behavior. This will make them realize that he/she has been indulging in something which is not right. You can also know more about how to stop thumb sucking and stop finger sucking online.
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2. Get a thumb guard – Thumb guards are simple gloves that protect only the thumb and prevent the child from sucking on it. Encourage the child to wear the thumb guard till the time the habit is quit.
3. Attention – Many times it is seen that the child craves attention and thumb-sucking becomes a habit. Give the child more attention and eventually, the child will get rid of the habit.
4. Reward the child – Appreciating and rewarding the child when he/she does not suck the thumb can be a motivating factor for the child to quit thumb sucking.
5. Distraction – Thumb sucking is unconscious behavior and thus, the child does not realize that he/she is sucking her thumb. Distract the child when you see the thumb sucking by giving them activities that make use of both hands.
6. Peer pressure – Getting your child to play with other children who do not suck their finger will help the child quit this habit. Peer pressure is a powerful motivating factor, which can help you help the child.