How to get toddler from picking his nose?

Question

I know it sounds silly, but I cant break my 2 year old from putting his finger in his nose. I think it is so gross, but nothing i seem to do has helped it any. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated!

Answer 1

Well one major thing would be (and it's hard not to do) is to REACT. The reaction alone may make your toddler want to do it because it's funny (sort of a reinforcement of it).

2. Don't yell. He may not be doing it to bug you on purpose.
3. Maybe show him something else he can do INSTEAD of picking his nose, like distract him with something.
4. I think this would work best is to ESTABLISH a rule with him of always getting a kleenex. Be consistent. You see him pick his nose, quietly go get him a Kleenex, get one for yourself to "demonstrate" how you clean your nose in private with a Kleenex. Model it, do it in a nice fashion, be discreet and then keep it up EVERY SINGLE time he does it. Even carry around cutsie little kleenexes in your purse when you're out. Tell him that they are his "special" little kleenexes for his nose when he wants to clean out his nose. You can also show him how to wash his hands afterwards.

Kids don't really understand "don't do this or that" they need some sort of redirection. Obviously he needs to get something out of his nose, so my suggestion above (having 2 kids) works well!

Answer 2

Toddler Picking Nose

Answer 3

Don't react, don't tell him not to do it, they don't always think before they do it and getting cross makes NO difference.

You can choose this option: tell him that everyone does it, but it's a bit like going to the toilet - no one wants to see you doing it. Invite him to pick his nose all he likes so long as he either goes to the bathroom, or to his own room to do it with privacy. This will work better with a slightly older child, but you can certainly give it a go.

And like that other wise woman said, just get him a tissue and encourage him to use that instead.

The more you focus on an annoying behaviour, the more attention the kid gets by doing it and the more fuss is made. It doesn't work that way.

Answer 4

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RE:
How to get toddler from picking his nose?
I know it sounds silly, but I cant break my 2 year old from putting his finger in his nose. I think it is so gross, but nothing i seem to do has helped it any. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated!

Answer 5

Let them explore, but still make it clear that it isnt nice, and your child will eventually clock it and hopefully stop.
It takes time though, I know its not nice, but other people wont mind, its just embarrasing as the parent!

Answer 6

I ignore my son, he stops. I think they're looking for a reaction

Answer 7

Ignore it, he's probably doing it for a reaction out of you.

Answer 8

Pull his hands out of his nose and smack them while telling him "no" in a firm voice. Do that every time and eventually he'll stop. Consistancy is the key :-)

Answer 9

let him do it...I'm sure you used to pick your nose

Answer 10

put band aids on his fingers?? it will make it hard for him to jam his finger in his nose?