How do you stop a kid from thumbsucking?

Question

My daughter is 2 years old and still sucks her thumb, constantly. I would appreciate some ideas on how to get her to stop. I try not to make a big deal out of it, because if she knows its bothering us, well she is just going to want it more lol. We've tried putting vinegar on her finger, a bandage on her finger and then we've tried to just redirect her to doing soemthing else with her hands. The only thing that worked was a few months ago she got a cut on her thumbsucking thumb and stopped sucking for about a week till the cut healed. Obviously I'm not going to cut her thumb again but I'm all ears for suggestions.

Answer 1

I'm glad you tried some things.

Here is one other thing that I can suggest: repetition. If she is around others of the same age, gently verbalize to her that other children don't do it anymore, and now that she is a "big girl", she shouldn't either. At this age, children learn by example, and repeating yourself over and over will eventually sink in.

Also, this may only be a phase. If it continues to a point where she devlopes blisters or other skin problems, take her to her pediatrician. Remember that she is growing in most of her teeth as well, and dental problems can stem from agressive thumb-sucking.

Good luck, and have patience!

Answer 2

She is only 2! I wouldn't worry about it until she is 4. Most parenting book and articles say that most kids give it up by then. My daughter is almost three and still uses a pacifier for naptime and bed time. Both her doctor and dentist say it is fine as long as it is gone by the time she is about 4.

It's good that you are not making a big deal about it, just gently encourage her to stop. Try to encourage her to only suck her thumb when she is going to go to sleep. She'll let you know when she is ready. Oh, here is another idea. Start introducing other comfort objects like a doll or a blanket.

Good luck!

Answer 3

You need to understand when and why they do the thumbsucking. My son is 4 and i have read 3 different books on problems with kids. all the parts about thumb sucking is due to them having only that to control and keep them safe. In my case we have moved alot and there was alot of stress in the house due to new jobs etc etc. Since things have calmed down he has stopped doing it so much. I have also tried spending more time with him in the evening after my day and reading to him etc etc. the spending more time seems to have helped the most.

Answer 4

i became a continual thumbsucker for years. My mom tried each little thing to end me (certain, the nice and cozy sauce trick etc) and in no way something worked... I purely stopped on my own. I even haven't any enamel topics from it nor speech issues so purely understand that not anybody would have those topics. i imagine in case you ignore about it your newborn will probably end on his/her own.

Answer 5

i guess the vinegar does not proved effective try putting a bit more stronger try chilli but dotn over do it just a thad bit enough to discourage her. but make sure you have a milk on hand this is the best way to remove the effect of chilli coz milk would "wash down" the chilli in her mouth & tongue.

Answer 6

yeah, when someone finds an answer to this let me know to LOL. My son is also 2 and I dont find it to be a big deal yet. Although, My goal is to have him broke within the next year.

Answer 7

put mustard on his thumb or something that he dosent like the taste of

Answer 8

put chilli on it not alot jus a lil bit she'l soon stop

Answer 9

I hope you find out soon, I'm going to be tackling this myself soon.

Answer 10

she will stop it as soon she will grow shes only 2 so dont worry..