Help! 8yo desperate to stop sucking her thumb, any tips?

[Firesoutagain]

Poor thing is beside herself with tiredness and self-deprivation of the thumb isn't helping! She's just started year 3 and is desperate to stop sucking her thumb - we haven't pushed as wanted it to come from her, but have always discussed with her that the 'time will come' when she's ready to leave it behind. That's now - her decision - and we want to support / help as much as possible but feel quite useless! all the various websites focus on much younger, easily distracted, children. Any experience / tips for helping an older child?

[ralice]

What about that manky-tasting nail varnish (clear) that's designed to stop people biting their nails?

[HPandBaconSandwiches]

I've not had to deal with this but did hear about this type of product which seem to work.

Very impressive that she wants to stop. Good luck.

[Firesoutagain]

She doesn't want to suck her thumb so is trying really hard not to. I don't think manky-taste varnish would help with that. She came back from school today with a bruise on her arm where she's been sucking that instead... guess it's more something to help her move on from it than prevent her doing it that we need.

[Firesoutagain]

thanks HPandBacon. Will talk to her about the Thumbsie tomorrow as it may offer substitute comforts!

[HPandBaconSandwiches]

Ah, I see, would you think about hypnotherapy for her?

[HPandBaconSandwiches]

sorry cross post, I meant hypnotherapy if she's tending to continue the compulsion away from her thumb.

[NotMrsTumble]

I second thumbsie or thumb guard. I'd try thumbsie first as it's way cheaper, and if she's keen to stop she should hopefully cooperate. Thumb guard worked for dd at 6 when she had stopped daytime thumb sucking but was reverting when asleep.

[braceybracegirl]

Mine is the same and same age. We tried the thumbsie but she ripped it off in her sleep. The manky nail varnish works but again in the night she is still sucking it. Her teeth really stick out.

[braceybracegirl]

What's a thumb guard?

[popmimiboo]

My dd was given this strategy by the orthodontist when she was 6 and it worked a treat;

1. Favourite cuddly toy had to be banished to bedside table for a few weeks (as it was associated with thumb sucking.)
2. Plaster on thumb all day to remind her not to suck.
3. Long ski sock /football sock on her offending hand for bed. A glove isn't enough, the whole arm needs to be inaccessible.

It took her about 2 -3 weeks. She cried the first and second nights but we made sure she was really tired by bedtime so she dropped off quickly. I also promised her a treat if she managed (-ears pierced, a "grown up" treat!)

Good luck

[JeepersMcoy]

I actually remember having to give up sucking my thumb as s child after the dentist ordered it. It was horrific and just so, so hard. Your dd has my sympathy! I remember having bad tasting stuff on my thumb during the day and then a long sock on at night. I do remember sucking on the sock a bit, but that passed as it just isn't the same as a good thumb.

[Firesoutagain]

Thanks - lots of good advice in there, especially the associated bribe of ear piercing which will capture her attention! I'm dreading the pain (mine, not hers) of confiscating the blankie that goes with the thumb-sucking at night .

[DropZoneOne]

I can't help as DD stopped last year (age 7), I bought a hamster as a reward and 6 months later she started again! It's when she's sleeping or watching TV, in the car, basically any time she's not active in it goes.
Yucky nail varnish had no effect but the thumb guard thing has to be worth a go!

[NotMrsTumble]

Thumbguard www.thumbguard.co.uk/

[YesILikeItToo]

Dd has tried other distractions for TV, French knitting, real knitting now she's older, but no tips for the night as she is just not ready for that yet.

[braceybracegirl]

I'm going to get some long football socks!!! Cheaper than the thumb guard! The nail varnish is effective for the daytime.