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Parenting

Thumb/finger sucking advice!

7 replies

MadInfoScientist · 03/02/2013 18:57

I am sorry if this has been posted before!

DS (6) has sucked two fingers on his left hand since he was a few weeks old. He lost his first tooth end of December, and a few more wobbly ones have appeared, so we are trying to get him to stop the finger sucking so that it doesn't effect the way his new teeth come in (his top front teeth noticeably stick out now as a result of his sucking). Because he's done it so long, he doesn't even realise he's doing it.

Apart from gently reminding him (every 4 seconds Grin) to take his fingers out, has anyone had any luck getting DCs to stop thumb/finger sucking behaviour? We're trying to remind him at home, and his teachers are trying to help by reminding him as well, but it hasn't helped at all.

Many thanks!

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cravingcake · 03/02/2013 20:58

You could try putting that nail varnish on that tastes horrible as a way to remind him to stop. Or maybe put a plaster or something similar to change the 'comfort' of it. That way if he's doing it subconsciously then at least its a gentle reminder. If he's aware he's doing it then maybe a sticker/reward chart?

My only experience in this is that i sucked my thumb until i was about 12. And i have always bitten my nails so short they bleed, for 30 years. I tried absolutely everything and finally had hypnosis (as it was subconscious) and that worked.

My teeth were a bit gappy during early teens but by the time i left school they were straight so dont worry too much.

MadInfoScientist · 03/02/2013 21:11

Thank you...we'd discussed the possibility of the horrid tasting nail stuff...never thought of a plaster, good advice!

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Meglet · 03/02/2013 21:16

Superdrug sell a stop nail biting solution in a pot. It is foul.

It works when I remember to get DS to dip his fingers and thumbs into the pot. I've been a bit slack on it lately though.

cravingcake · 03/02/2013 21:30

You coul also try gloves or something to hold or play with instead, so if he always does it when watching tv then before he sits down he picks up his thing to keep his hands busy (maybe a stress ball or square of material). You could also try a new special toy, maybe as a reward for a week without finger sucking to encourage him along. I mainly did it when i was tired and when i went to bed so you may have to do it in stages, day first then tackle night-times (just a an example).

Good luck

NotADragonOfSoup · 03/02/2013 21:33

DSs orthodontists recommends long socks on both arms overnight. I reckon a large pair of tights worn like a shrug would do the job. He is of the opinion that if you crack it at night, any daytime sucking will tail off.

Tortoise · 03/02/2013 21:33

I had to resort to thumb guards for dd2 age 8. Her thumb was constantly in her mouth even when trying to do two handed jobs.
After 3 weeks of wearing them day and night, she no longer thumb sucks (although I think it still sneaks in during the night but I don't mind that!)
The nasty tasting stuff didn't work. She refused to dunk her thumb in the pot!
I know they do finger guards too. But I would say child needs to be willing to give up and happy to wear them.

MadInfoScientist · 04/02/2013 11:16

These are all great ideas! I especially like the stress ball idea...when he has something to keep his hands busy, he is less likely to suck...he's one of those 'fiddly kids' who is always messing with something, so that might appeal, actually!!

Thanks for all the advice...I'll come back and let you know! :)

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