Nagging Won’t Help a Child Kick the Thumb-Sucking Habit

Child development experts tell us that thumb-sucking isn’t anything to worry about in children under 5. In fact, it can be an appropriate and useful behavior.

However, an article from WebMD, Breaking the Thumb-Sucking Habit, notes that, “If a child who is older than 5 or 6 is still sucking his thumb and having difficulty stopping, parents ought to think about what they can do to help him.”

The article goes on to state that nagging and reprimands are unlikely to help, as is pulling your child’s finger out of their mouth. Instead, a simple behavioral approach – like the one outlined in the article – is more effective.

Thumb sucking is a tough habit to break but the more calm and relaxed you and your child remain, the faster it will happen.

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