My 5 yr old step-daughter sucks on her blanket while she sleeps. How can I break her of this nasty habit?

Question

She's never used a pacifier or sucked her thumb so I think (note think) she is using the blanket as the same type of comforter. It's not one particular blanket. She's used towels, pillowcase and even her own nightgown one time when I took her blanket away. I'd thought about the bitter taste, but didnt know what to use that would be economical enough to use on all of her blankets. Never thought of the vinegar. Thanks!!. Any other suggestions?

Answer 1

It may be something she grows out of with time. Since she is sleeping, it's most likely an unconscious behavior.

Here is something that might work, though it may sound ridiculous. Make the blanket "bitter"-tasting. You want something that produces a bitter taste without leaving a smell, a stain, or damaging the fabric. Some pet stores have a spray that owners use to keep pets from biting them or nibbling on their furniture. It's a type of negative re-enforcement. Eventually, their minds begin to associate the action with the consequence which leads to a correction of the behavior.

Now, I'm not comparing your daughter to a pet, but since the behavior occurs while she's asleep, correcting the behavior while she's awake presents a problem. Treat her blanket and her pillow only until she stops doing it. One week should work nicely. Whatever you use, make sure it is safe. No harsh chemicals. The pet solution is quite safe. A bitter food additive or seasoning might work as well. Of course, if a rash or other allergic reaction occurs, stop immediately.

Answer 2

yes this is a habit, i would not say nasty. but my friends daughterr also did this and she had no idea as to how to break her of the habit. i suggested to her at the time if she new of someone that had a little baby, telling her that the baby needs a blanket to hold on too. her daughter {much to her surprise } willing gave up her blanky. and it was never mentioned again. so if you know of anyone with a baby try it. what do you have to lose? other than the blanket.

Answer 3

Gently remove the blanket while she sleeps. It's a security thing she will eventually outgrow, but until then, just keep removing it after she's fallen asleep. You could try to substitute the blanket with a favorite stuffed animal saying that you have to wash the blanket, but that she will get the blanket back in the morning or at bed time when she goes to sleep, but hand her the stuffed animal to cuddle with and put the blanket nearby.

Answer 4

This is all you have to do to get her to stop, and it might sound stupid, insignificant and just too plain easy...but this has worked 9 times out of 10, so here's the magic:
You start telling her that little girls who suck on their blankeys grow up to be ugly! Tell her it RUINS their teeth and they won't have a pretty smile anymore...they'll have a gaping black hole because they sucked their blankeys when they were younger. Shell be so horrified she will want to stop. No little girl wants to grow up to be ugly! Good luck.

Answer 5

Thats easy, while she is sleeping, gently take the blanket away, and when she gets up, give her a different blanket.

Answer 6

try putting something that tastes bad on her blanket. maybe like vinegar, something spicy or anything that doesn't appeal to her taste (as long as it's not poisonous. you wouldn't want to kill you step-daughter) so that she won't suck it cause it'll taste bad.

Answer 7

It may be anxiety behavior. If she is troubled, afraid or unhappy. Check on that angle. That could be the source.

Answer 8

get rid of the blanket..if she is cold..use socks..

Answer 9

let her be a five year old she'll stop one day!

Answer 10

take it away