How can we help a 3-year-old stop using a dummy?

[YourShyLemonGoose]

DP’s daughter is 3 years 7 months and still using a dummy quite a lot. He’s asked for my help weaning her off it but I have no idea where to start! If you try taking it away you’re met by tantrum after tantrum. Dummy fairy etc. probably won’t work as she’s quite over indulged as it is so frequently gets new toys etc.

Try to replace it with some other toy. Gradually remove it i-e you could reduce the time of its consumption then later you could remove it fully.

Some good ideas thank you x

Does she use it constantly? He could start by saying that she must take it out when she talks. Alternatively he could say it’s for nighttime only and give her lots of praise for not using the dummy.

Yes she does pretty much. And that’s one of my biggest pet peeves when she talks with it in so hopefully that’s first to stop! But both are good ideas thank you, night only is probably the quickest but maybe the hardest

Have you asked your DO what their plan is for when their DD starts school? And are they aware of how dummies affect speech and oral development?

It might be worth giving them this progress checker just to see if her speech is in track

It’s a good point. I think her speech is generally on track but will check anyway. And I guess they both assumed she’d have them gone by school! Not sure if they know how detrimental it can be. I’m guessing they must by now given that her teeth are slightly misshapen from using it so much

Has their DD seen a Dentist yet?

She has! I’m not sure what was said but I’m sure they’re aware she’s still using it, it must be so obvious from her mouth. Unless her parents said she didn’t when asked… who knows

Usually the Dentist can give good advice on dropping the dummy. It’s difficult though, especially if they’re not prepared to take charge and ride out the tantrums. What are they planning on doing when she’s 14 and can’t get her own way?

Yeah I hope so, I suppose they see it enough don’t they. And yeah I really don’t think they are but let’s see! I have no idea, I think they’re gonna have real problems to be honest if they don’t start standing up to her now