3 yr old bites nails...

[dolallymum]

... and no matter how many times I tell her not to, she continues. She mainly bites the corner and then tears the loose bit across.
Is she old enough to have that nail varnish on that tastes disgusting.
Any other suggestions would also be much appreciated.
TYI

My dd's the same she bites the nails then when shes done with that she bites the skin around them. Shes 4 i have tried the no biting stuff and it didnt work. She has just started taking a interest in nail polish so as treat i paint her nails along as she hasnt bit them she will sometimes get them painted with a little design at the nail salon. I no not everyone agrees with nail polish on kids.

Thats a good idea. I might give that a go.
TY

I would give up fighting it. My brother and my husband are both life-long nail biters. Parents tried everything. Both in 30s and as bad as ever. My 3yo also bites her nails, I don't even try to stop her as I don't think there is any point, and god knows we have enough other battles!

She is old enough for the anti-bite stuff as it is also used to wean kids off their dummies too (I diluted it for that purpose though!)

My DD2 still bites her nails though - as do I. It's a habit.

DD1 took an interest herself when she got to upper primary and now has nice nails.

Her dads a nail biter too, and she has seen him do it so will probably wonder why I keep telling her not to.
Will keep an eye on it. Am hoping with summer coming up she will have more to do and keep her occupied than during winter.

I think it is genetic. Seriously! Really, I would drop it, it is a battle you won't win.

I also think there is some kind of learned/genetic behaviour. I bite my nails and so does my young DD.

I am trying to battle it by doing regular "manicures" for her and painting her nails nicely, as well as mine, then asking at least once a day how her nails are and if she likes them.

My little boy did it - he was still in a pushchair, around 18mths or so. I was distraught - Aarghh am I a bad mother? is he unhappy? No, of course, it was none of these, it was a silly habit for which I still have no explanation. He's now a strapping teenager and doesn't do it any more. I do remember how upset I was though, and still wonder why. He was loved, nurtured, amused and occupied - it was just an annoying thing he did.