OMG i think we've kicked the THUMBSUCKING HABIT in less than a week

[noonar]

i just can't believe it. my die hard thumbsucking dd2-aged 4 hasnt sucked at all for 5 days and nights.

we were so worried- as was our dentist- as she has a seriously open bite.

here's how she/we've done it....we bought a thumbguard but realized on day 1 that this wasnt for us. just seemed too restrictive and a bit harsh, tbh. anyway, we had spent a while talking to dd about stopping the habit, so wanted to 'go for it' and tackle the habit.

...so we bought some 'stop and grow' some nail varnish in pastel shades, and some nail stickers from claires accessories. she now has grown up, not to be sucked nails . (now, i hate nail varnish on children as much as the next person, but needs must...)

we also really talked to her about the effect on her teeth and she just seems to have embraced the whole thing.

just wanted to share this, really, in case its of any help to any of you in a similar situation. its early days, but fingers crossed that we've cracked it! also wanted to say that i'm glad that we left it this long, so that dd is able to understand better why this habit needed to stop.

[JackieNo]

Wow - that sounds great. I have a DS who does this - not so easy with the nail stickers and nail varnish, I guess. Not out of the question though - he'd probably be up for it.

[noonar]

lol, jackie. i meant to say in my OP that our approach might not suit the majority of boys

[fruitymum]

Will keep your strategy in mind for DD who is only 2 at the mo. Wish you both continued success!

[shrinkingsagpuss]

I might need to save this htread for a few years time - DD has been a thumb sucker since she was 2 days old. pull one out... she stuffs the other one in!!

DS on the other hadn sucked a teddy bear.... fab. removed it , and despite one disturbed night he;s quite happy. Wish I could do the same with DD!

[shrinkingsagpuss]

oooh x post!

[noonar]

well hopefully both your dds will outgrow the habit by then! i certainly wasnt worried at that age. it was only in the light of visible damage to teeth that we've decidied to act