Is pencil biting in a grown up girl indicative of some problem?

Question

My daughter is 14 years old and has the habit of biting pencil. She is unable to get rid of this habit despite all my counselling. I am afraid it is not some kind of obsessive compulsive syndrome or some such thing. She also chews her clotes occasionally. Can anyone tell why children do such things and how to help them get rid of them. Also tell me if it is indicative of any other psychological problem. thanks

Answer 1

It is not an a sign of Obsessive Compulsive Personality Disorder, its just a bad habit. Lots of people do it, heck I chew my pencils from time to time. Its nothing to worry about, leave your poor daughter alone.

Answer 2

Nothing to worry about, it's just a bad habit. I still chew the end of my pen from time to time and there's nothing wrong with me. If you're really that fussed about it, paint that bitter tasting nailpolish on the end of all her pencils, but really I think you're blowing this out of all proportion.

Answer 3

Why make a mountain out of a molehill

Just a habit - possibly a nervous tic but nothing to worry about

Answer 4

i used to do it well into my teens, thing is, you've made an issue out of it. i've never had counselling for it and i turned out ok, got university qualifications and very level-headed and sensible. perhaps she's a bit of a worrypot? try and get her to do relaxing activities, like swimming or walking/reading. She'll grow out of it, let her be, or get her some sugar free chewing gum.

Answer 5

She's probably nervous about something, so ask her, "Is there something that's making you nervous?". I'm sure it's not helping her, being taken to counselors and psychologists to try to figure out why she chews on her pencils.

Answer 6

some times it could be bruxism teeth grinding... check if she grinds her teeth at night