I have recently begun fostering an 13 year old girl who still sucks her thumb.?

Question

Anyone know what might cause her to continue doing this past the normal age, and what I can do to help her quit or should I just let it go.

Answer 1

if you are going to be fostering her long term, I would start talking with her and set a date to stop. she is probably still sucking her thumb because thats all she has to make her feel secure. dont take it from her just yet. there is a reason she is in foster care, and what ever the reason, i am sure that she is not ready for change just yet.

Answer 2

If she is in foster care then she probably sucks her thumb as a way of a security. Some kids have a luvvy, usually a toy or blanket, but this girl has her thumb. Just let it go. Eventually she will stop on her own.

Answer 3

Don't try to make her stop! That's the worst thing you can do. It's really just a comfort thing. I'm 14, and I still suck my thumb (well, now it's really hard because for this month, I have an expander on the roof of my mouth for braces). My parents divorced when I was younger and I've had a tough childhood. It started out just being hereditary for me sucking my thumb, but now it's really a comfort thing. My dad used to try to get me to stop sucking my thumb, but that made me want to do it more. But my mom just let me do it since it's a comfort thing. And my boyfriend's sister is 18 and still sucks her thumb. She's had a hard life too. But really, don't worry. Eventually, she'll find she can live without it.

Answer 4

My niece did the same thing and she had family problems as well. After working with foster children and children who are at-risk, I believe there is a direct link between thumb-sucking and the child's emotional state. This is just a by-product of her situation. Considering the various ways children can act out their emotions, this is a very mild, albeit obvious one.

Answer 5

You should find out about her past. Obviously, it has been difficult or she wouldn't need foster care.

Instead of trying to break her habit because it's nasty and weird or unacceptable, or however you feel about it; you should focus on discovering what her needs are and meeting them to the best of your ability. When she has the love and security that every child needs, she will stop on her own. It might not be until after her time with you...

Answer 6

I would leave her alone about it. Sounds like she has enough problems already by being in foster care at 13. I would focus more on a good quality of hers and highlight that. Good luck!

Answer 7

Does she do it in public? If not don't worry about it. How long has she been in foster care? This may be just a way to comfort herself. Try not to make a big deal out of it.

Answer 8

She is insecure. Give her love and support. Don't let others influence you she will be fine. My daughter sucked her thumb past 13. Schools etc had problems. We told them it was her thumb and none of their business. She is very healthy and well adjusted.

Answer 9

this is the kind of think that makes people choose abortion over adoption... so that they can spare the pain that their child would have in a foster home or orphanige. I say jsut let it go. love her like she is your own and maybe she will grow out of it. she is going to become a self-concious teenager and will not do it in public for long...

Answer 10

lol i'm 32 and still i suck my thumb, there;s no harm in it. If u did it yourself you'd understand its not a secure thing but its comforting. If she's ever gonna stop let her do it on her own back. But dont think its strange if she doesnt :-)