Module 2 • Behaviour Problems 5 Possible causes/reasons
• Nail biting is often a general problem, but a difficult one to stop. A nail biter is usually sensitive about the problem and often bites their nails when no one is watching. The sooner this problem is noticed, the easier it is to stop it.
• Is it a way of releasing tension? The child feels insecure. Maybe it is a new child that must still adapt. Does the child get enough attention at home? Is there a problem at home? It can also be a way of seeking attention.
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It is a habit? By coincidence, the child bit his nails once or twice and then fell into the habit of doing it regularly.
• Are the child’s nails bothering him? Maybe his nails are too long?
It is important to discuss the problem with the child and make him aware of the disadvantages of biting nails. Even if your hands and nails are clean and you look at it under a microscope, you will be surprised to see how many germs are under your nails.
5.7 Thumb Sucking
We all have our ways to relax. While yours might be reading a good book or soaking in a warm bath, young kids have different ways of unwinding.
Many turn to a trusted blanket or stuffed animal for comfort; others rely on their good old thumb. You may smile to see the baby nibbling on her thumb, but it can cause a worried frown once the infant stage passes.
If you have a toddler who’s still fond of sucking on her thumb, you may have a lot of questions: What’s so appealing about that wrinkly digit? Will she have problems with her teeth? How can I get her to stop?
Generally, there are a couple of reasons children suck their thumbs. • Many little ones pick it up when they’re trying to find a substitute for sucking on a bottle. Because sucking a bottle produces milk, which tastes good and makes them feel good, they suck on their thumbs when they’re off the bottle because they associate it with feeling good and feeling comfort.
• And once a kids begins thumb-sucking, it may be a difficult habit to quit; they get so used to sucking their thumb while watching TV or sitting quietly or falling asleep that they can’t stop. Prolonged thumb-sucking may push the teeth outward or cause misalignment. It can also lead to speech problems, such as lisping.
If you’re concerned about your toddler’s thumb-sucking, here are some strategies for dealing with this temporary habit.
1 Don’t Force Thumb-Sucking to Stop
As long as your child is developing normal language skills at the appropriate time, doctors usually tell parents not to worry about thumb-sucking during the first few years of life. Children usually give up sucking on their thumb around age 5 or 6. As long as your child still doesn’t have the habit by the time her permanent teeth grow in, which is right around that age, there’s little reason to worry the thumb-sucking will damage her teeth. If she does still suck her thumb, consult her dentist or paeditrician.
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