Books for children on stopping thumb sucking

[rumtumtugger]

Are the any kids books you would recommend I read with my 3yo dd to help her start thinking about stopping sucking her thumb? I want to do it in a gentle way.

She's three. Let her suck her thumb. What is your comfort? Coffee? Chocolate? Adopting a particular posture on the sofa? Twiddling your hair? That's mine.

Feel like giving yours up? No, me neither and I'm forty two!

Sorry!

I wouldn't worry about it. I sucked my thumb until I was 13 (and then stopped overnight when the dentist told me it would give me buck teeth). Have lovely teeth, no developmental issues, hold down a job etc. I know several completely normal adult thumb suckers. It's fine.

I sucked my fingers until 7/8? Being told at 3 to stop wouldn't have worked! I remember that it was a compulsion - like breathing...! I genuinely couldn't stop - even when my nails were painted with that nasty bitter stuff.

Yup... I was still sucking my thumb when I started secondary. My DD sucked her fingers rather than her thumb for years going to sleep... its something kids naturally grow out of.

I also think it's harmless for her to suck her thumb. My DD did it and it hasn't affected her teeth.

She asked for her ears to be pierced at the age of 8. I said ( foolishly) she could if she stopped sucking her thumb, obviously thinking she wouldn't , and the little monkey did!

I'm not looking for opinions on whether she should stop or not, just looking for suitable books.....anyone??

I think the point is that you probably won't find a book because it isn't really a problem.

I'm not sure if there are any books available, though it's not something I've looked into. I would like my 4 yr old DS to stop sucking his thumb. It's not as often as he used to do it. It's a comfort thing and he does it when he wants a cuddle. I keep thinking I'll try the nail paint stuff or the gloves or other ideas, telling him doesn't work. Our dentist could already tell at out last appt that he sucked his thumb. Not a good thing.
Good luck

Errol, I'm glad it's not been a problem for you or your DCs but it is for mine.

There is one written by an Australian Dentist called something like the little bear who sucked his thumb?

www.oliverthebear.com/

Thank you jelly

There are actually lots of lovely children’s books available that deal with thumb sucking and how to break the habit.

We liked Anna and Dedo: A Thumb Ventures Out but you can find a good description of other children’s books here: thumb-heroes.com/book-review/

My dd is a thumb sucker too. Will definitely look into the books as well. There is some evidence that thumb sucking is not good for teeth and mouth development.

I looked for a book. Couldn't find one. My son ruined his front teeth because of sucking. You can see his front teeth stuck out. I bought a thumb guard from Amazon and it worked. He stopped sucking at around 2.5. Wish I'd done it earlier. Good luck finding a book.

There is actually a lot of evidence that thumbsucking can have a negative impact on the development of jaw and teeth. Dentist know this and that’s why they recommend to stop. The American Academy of Pediatrics and the American Dental Association both agree that after age 3 chronic sucking can contribute to changes in growth and development of the jaw, as well as tooth alignment.

You can find an overview of some of the studies on
thumb-heroes.com/literature-review/

Also thumbsucking can lead to abnormal drinking, eating and swallowing patterns, speech disorders and disordered breathing.

So there are lots of reasons to stop but unfortunately it can be very tough for the children to stop. And, unlike a pacifier, the thumb can’t just be taken away. We found lots of useful information on the topic on thumb-heroes.com

We liked the book «Anna and Dedo: A Thumb Ventures Out» It’s a nice story and it provided very useful strategies: www.annaunddedo.com

Has anyone tried these glove things made of silicone that go over the thumb and are meant to prevent thumb sucking?