I am a preschool director & have noticed that a 3-year olds puts everything in her mouth - what to do? Help!?

Question

The parent is worried and I am concerned that the child will harm herself by swallowing a small item causing her to choke!

Answer 1

Some children take a while to out grow of that. Its still the most effective sensory area on a childs body.

She probably just needs to be taught other ways to touch and feel, and then reminded not to put things in her mouth.

You have to tell a child not to do something, and then eventually punish it for not behaving a certain way. Its not mean, its to help her avoid a dangerous situation, like swallowing a small object and choking.

Some kids just have this problem. And adults. Think of how many people you know at the office who chew their pencils, or have to chew gum to keep their mouths busy. She needs to be taught a different way to be distracted.

Answer 2

With the parents written permission you can put a little tobasco on the toy give it too her and let her put into the mouth. It will not harm her but it will taste bad. The child them associated putting foreign objects into the mouth as nasty tasting.
If you feel uncomfortable about doing this have the parent do it a home. The idea should carry across to the classroom too.

Answer 3

You shouldn't have chokable objects in her classroom.

2nd, it is not a big deal, she is only three, it is extremely common.

Third, she is old enough to understand directions if you speak to her. Tell her "we only put food in our mouths" and then remove whatever object she is chewing on.

You might want to fill the classroom with more sensory objects as well such as a sand/ & water table or any number of textured toys available to you.

Go back to college and take some classes on early childhood.
This is ridiculous.

Answer 4

That is their way of 'feeling' the object, the mouth being more sensitive. This is where being a parent comes in. Keeping everything that could harm the child out of their reach.

Answer 5

I remembered how my auntie taught her child. I think this is a good idea. You may try it. Yes, 1st - you have to keep away all harmful items and I believed that you have already done it.
2nd - you may try to put a bit of sour juice or bitter juice or chili on the items which the kid would like to put in the mouth. This will teach the kid to learn, not everything are delicious. Within a short time, they will learn to stop putting anythings into their mouth. Sour juice like orange, grape, etc. has vitamin C. It is good for them too.

Answer 6

Please make sure that no small toys are near her. Other three year olds do this also.
Plus one of the best things you can do after that is to wash everything in that room with a bleach and water mixture.
You'd be surprised by how many people don't think about their children passing their illnesses like this.

Answer 7

well you just need to make sure you dont have anything that the chldren can reach that they could swallow. they are most likely in a teething period, so try and give them hard plastic toys that are meant for babies to chew on. when i was little i have a big ring of keys, you can find things like this at target, toys r us, babies r us, and probably walmart or safeway as well.

Answer 8

Sewing the child's mouth shut won't do at all but they make clamps that will temporarily do the job. The surgical ones are the best and most hygenic. They are made of surgical steel and will not cause infection.

Answer 9

Put vinager in a spray bottle and spray it on the toys. She won't like the taste and should stop.

Answer 10

don't have things ,to small around that will fit his mouth,talk to parents about that you and the parent have to work together to solve that problem