Noticed Licking Thumb. Difficult In Handling. Remedy?
Question: Hi my Son 3.4 year son is very NAUGHTY, especially I am worried about few habits he possess.. he always licks his thumb(left hand) -- in a day minimum 5-8 hrs.. he cant sleep by himself without licking the finger., while licking he used to "Rub" our skin like our hands, or ears or stomach or pinches our hand ... I am really worried , I just cant remove his thumb from mouth he becomes wild if we do that.. I really dunno how to handle/tackle him. can you please help :(
Hi,
Thanks for writing to XXXXXXX
You can try applying femite oinment on his thumb twice daily until the habit goes away.
More important : divert his attention to some hand based activities like building blocks , etc .
Kids suck thumb when they feel insecure. Make sure someone is there all the time.
Ensure frequent feedings to avoid him getting too hungry.
Do not use electronics like tv/ etc.
Engage him in some kind of physical activity
And do not punish him for sucking. Rather reward him for not sucking.
Kids need positive reinforcements more .
You cant get rid of this habit suddenly. Go slow, hope your kid will stop sucking soon.
Hope this would solve the issue. Please let me know if I can help you further.
Regards
Dr Arun
Thanks for writing to XXXXXXX
You can try applying femite oinment on his thumb twice daily until the habit goes away.
More important : divert his attention to some hand based activities like building blocks , etc .
Kids suck thumb when they feel insecure. Make sure someone is there all the time.
Ensure frequent feedings to avoid him getting too hungry.
Do not use electronics like tv/ etc.
Engage him in some kind of physical activity
And do not punish him for sucking. Rather reward him for not sucking.
Kids need positive reinforcements more .
You cant get rid of this habit suddenly. Go slow, hope your kid will stop sucking soon.
Hope this would solve the issue. Please let me know if I can help you further.
Regards
Dr Arun
Note: For further guidance on mental health, Click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Mohammed Kappan