My DS is 8. He's had an on and off habit of chewing his clothes for years. Any loose-hanging piece will end up in his mouth: his school tie, the collar of his raincoat, or his sleeves if they are a bit long. He doesn't try to do it if he's wearing a close fitting short-sleeved top, and he doesn't chew anything other than clothes. But of course he must wear a tie to school and weather-appropriate outerwear, so it happens a lot. He will keep chewing until his clothes are soaked and torn and it doesn't faze him. He's already ruined one tie and the other one isn't far behind.
I'm inclined to think DS is not chewing out of anxiety, as he is a very relaxed child and the habit comes and goes with no connection to life events. I think it's just a habit, and since he's 8 he doesn't care about things like germs or ruined clothes so he keeps doing it. We remind him constantly but within 10 seconds he's back at it. I did tell him if I have to buy another new tie it will be taken out of his pocket money but I think that's a bit abstract for him.
Would it be awful to put something a bit unpleasant-tasting on his tie and if so, what could I use? I would never do something like chili pepper, and even the stuff you buy to stop nail-biting is quite strong. Just something that would signal his subconscious that this is not a good thing to put in his mouth. Hopefully it wouldn't take long to break the habit.
Any thoughts on this or other ways to curb the chewing? It's driving me mad!
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What can I put on my DS's clothes to stop him from chewing them?
16 replies
AliPfefferman · 08/10/2017 12:06
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MiaowTheCat ·
09/10/2017 20:20
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