my daughter will be 5 on oct.6. For the past year we have done many things to try to get her to quit. We have tried bandage tape on her thumb, she takes it off when we aren't looking, then puts it back on. we have tried polish called stop the bite (to stop nailbiting), that tastes REALLY gross, but she picks it off, and even though the taste is still there, she sucks it anyway. I've talked to her about it a lot. I've told her she will be starting school soon and she needs to be a big girl to go to school. I've been mean and told her if she sucks her thumb any that day, everyone will get dessert except her. That worked for a few hours, then decided she liked her thumb better than any dessert.
Her dentist has shown me the effects this is having on her teeth as is adement she needs to stop. She already has a "moon". I have shown her this in the mirror and in pictures how it is getting bigger.
Has anyone gone through this? Do you hve any advice that really works? Please hlep!!
2006-09-10 07:38:43 · 10 answers · asked by MommyBekah 2 in Pregnancy & Parenting ➔ Toddler & Preschooler
T-Guard or something else from the dentist. Really he should be able to get her some device
A book, to help her decide she is done with it.
Her friends will tell her not to do it.
2006-09-10 07:45:14 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I've tried all of the above and i have a 8 yr old daughter that sucks her thumb and has an overbite but it's her comfort at home. She does not do it in public. It's just what she does and i have to accepct it, I know she will eventually grow out of it, on her own time. her grandma died back in january very suddenly and i saw a increase in her thumb sucking. It is just a comfort thing. She is scheduled for braces when she turns 11. Just let her quit on her own when she is ready. pressuring will not work. Been there, done that
2006-09-10 14:43:10 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
omg Leave her alone! Children of 4 are all about power. You are fighting a losing battle. Let it go. When she goes to school she will get peer pressure, which is much more effective than a power struggle with parents. Don't get off on the wrong foot with her by playing power games. What will you do when she is a teen? As for the dentist, find a new one that understands children.
2006-09-10 14:47:10 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
it sounds like there is a power struggle going on here--the shape of her mouth is getting ruined but she would rather risk that and be the one in control--granted she is only 5 years old but this sort of thing starts early--
taking away dessert is not a punishment--ffod should never be used as a form of punishment--if she needs something comforting or is highly oral, like many people are, there should be some behavior modification done--
for instance, when i was trying to stop biting my nails, i did the rubber band on the wrist trick--when i would reach to put my nails in my mouth, i would snap the rubber band first --if i didnt catch myself, my friend would do it--it worked and to this day i do not bite my nails.
talk to a professional about her behavior--the issue of WHY she sucks her thumb is just as important as the damage she is doing to her teeth.
2006-09-10 14:51:55 · answer #4 · answered by Lisa J 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I'm surprised your dentist didn't suggest a "reminder". It is an appliance that your dentist can cement to the molars of your daughter's teeth. It hurts her in no way, but when she puts her thumb in the usual position, a small metal object makes it impossible to do so. Ask your dentist about it or call an orthodontist.
2006-09-10 14:43:26 · answer #5 · answered by movedtoMA 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I hate to suggest this but since her teeth are in danger, get her a pacifier. They make large ones, and they are designed not to affect her teeth. Tell her it is only for home and that she can't cheat and suck her thumb when you're not looking. As a mother of 4 I can assure you she won't be sucking her thumb when she graduates.
2006-09-10 14:46:01 · answer #6 · answered by LAUGHING MAGPIE 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋
try explaining how she is hurting her teeth to do this, and give her a soft teddy bear or blanket for security instead. my kid sucked her thumb at night for many years, but never during the day. good luck.
2006-09-10 14:43:39 · answer #7 · answered by who be boo? 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
hmm my son sucked his thumb at night mostly when he was tired.. his 5 th. birthday was coming up and i said tell me what you want and i'll buy it 4 you, if you quit sucking your thumb.. he said a remote control car.. i bought it early and put it on top of the frig.. it was 2 remind him 2 quit.. and it worked .. yee haw.. hahaha
2006-09-10 14:44:58 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Rub alot of chile or onion or garlic on her thumb.
2006-09-10 14:46:11 · answer #9 · answered by Ana Banana 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
apply sum neem juice on her finger.well it worked here
2006-09-10 14:41:56 · answer #10 · answered by winne 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋