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Original poster

My 11 year old Sucks his Thumb and Still has his Baby blanket that he sniffs

32 replies

Andrea1292 · 14/04/2024 23:12

I have a son that is turning 12 years old. He has a white blanket that he rubs and smells every night while sucking his thumb. His breath smells bad because of his thumb sucking. His blanket smells like saliva. He has Anxiety and ADHD which he struggles to cope with. He always carries his blanket around and sucks his thumb every minute he gets. He cannot fall asleep without sniffing his blanket. He says he does not do it in school but when I was walking in I saw him doing it in front of the class while watching a film. I make sure he does not bring his blanket, which he is okay with. He seems to be really stressed because of school. He feels safe with his blanket over his nose and sniffing it while sucking his thumb. He drags his blanket all over the house, but he is not allowed to bring it out of the house. The blanket is surprisingly not that beat up besides some rips. He calls it “blankey”. What should I do t9 help him stop?

OP posts:
Justrolledmyeyesoutloud · 14/04/2024 23:21

My 12 has a blanket that she can't sleep without - so long as it neber leaves the house (unless we are on holiday), l don't mind

Topofthemountain · 14/04/2024 23:19

Is he in mainstream?

Hemakesmesmile2 · 14/04/2024 23:18

Don’t do anything OP. I sucked my thumb from being a baby (refused a dummy). I do suspect I’m autistic. I was an incredibly anxious child and it gave me such comfort. I sucked my thumb until I was about 24. I just randomly stopped. My mum was great. Always so supportive and had a go at my grandmother who used to berate me for it. I didn’t do it in public-at school/around my flat mates at uni but I would at home where I felt safe. I also play with my hair and would hide that a bit too, but as I’ve got older I’ve got a more I don’t give a damn what people think attitude -it helps me feel less anxious when out.
I think if it gives your son comfort, why stop him? I think you’ve made a good compromise with the blanket. 🥰

Twistingskies · 14/04/2024 23:18

My very nearly 17 year old cannot sleep without their blanket. It’s in several pieces and gross. 😱

TeaKitten · 14/04/2024 23:17

Forget about thumb sucking and the blanket, he’s literally a child. And help your child with his anxiety, speak to school, see what help is available.

MistressIggi · 14/04/2024 23:17

What do teachers say re the thumb sucking? Perhaps he could have something else to fidget with in school that would distract him. I think him using the blanket in the house is far enough. You could say it was only for bedtime if you really want to reduce use.

Hungrycaterpillarsmummy · 14/04/2024 23:15

It's an interesting first post anyway..