Nail biting eight year old

[Chucklecheeks]

Has anyone any ideas of how to stop my 8 year old DD biting her nails? It's constant and she has bit them down to the nail bed and is beginning to get infections.

It used to be when she was anxious or bored but it's all the time now, when playing, school, even swimming!

[Jennifersox]

I wonder if you can stil get the nasty tasting paint-on stuff they used to sell in boots. I remember years ago a girl at school's parents used to paint it on her thumb to stop her sucking it. Tastes really bitter but it's harmless. Might not be around any more though!

[LL0015]

Mine too at 8. And she's gotten very anxious of late but putting that down to stbxh and divorce.

I'm taking her to get a small star painted on her index fingers and a gel top coat at the nail salon. My plan is to stop her biting one by one and if she manages it, she can have gel nails for Xmas holiday.

But just want to inform her teacher of my plans first. In DD case, she is also seeing a child counsellor so my reasons are sound.

[YippeeTeenager]

I've always bitten my nails, started in year one at school with a scary teacher. The bitter aloe stuff is horrid but I used to suck it off and carry on! I'd try painting her nails with a couple of coats of clear varnish. It wouldn't feel like a punishment and it makes it much harder to bite them (even for me!). Still trying to kick the habit....