My son won't stop biting and picking his nails -- what do I do?

Question

My seven year old son habitually bites and picks his nails -- he has since he was two. I have not been able to clip his nails for years. I have tried everything from having him wear gloves to nail biting nail polish. Sometimes he picks his nails so low that they bleed. Any suggestions?

Answer 1

You may have to wait until he decides to stop for himself. I did that until I was 12, then I decided that I wasn't going to do it anymore and was able to break the habit with some of the above-mentioned strategies.

Answer 2

I wouldn't normally suggest this, but I like the idea of bribery since it's a relatively minor matter. I'm not sure what a kid today considers a lot of money, but tell him you'll give him $$$ if he goes 2 days without doing it, and he has to prove it by improvement in his nails I guess. If he does it, offer a little more for another two days. I think it's just a matter of breaking the habit and once he sees he can do it maybe he won't go back.

Answer 3

i'm 25 years previous and that i've got been biting my nails because i can remember. it somewhat is a habit this is surely no longer uncomplicated to break. I even have somewhat tried to give up, and that i would be doing it and not additionally be attentive to it. the only element that works for me is to positioned on pretend nails, and then i can't chew them. of course, that would not artwork for a 2 12 months previous boy. My mom tried the nail polish type stuff that tasted undesirable whilst i became youthful, yet i could do exactly it besides. it somewhat is a frightened habit. sturdy success. i desire you additionally could make him give up.

Answer 4

My mum put hot sauce on my nails and other hot and spicy foods that i didnt like because i chewed them untill they bleed and i had none left, it was a security habit for me. i now dont bite my nails and have actually decent looking ones despite all the chewing. Good luck!!! Sometimes it works and some times it doesnt. Hopefully you find something that works for the both of you!

Answer 5

When I was little my mom would have me sit on my hands when she saw I was chewing my nails. It wasn't a punishment, it was just a way of reminding me of what I was doing since it was second nature for me to do it. This worked for a while when I was a kid, but now as an adult I still chew my nails. Maybe it would work for him though.

Answer 6

My son is 9 and hes exactly the same. Iv told and told him but it makes no difference i too am going to look at the answers for this because i could also do with some help. Thank u for the question. And sorry i couldnt b of any help

Answer 7

bribery.....tell him that if he goes all week without biting his nails you will take him to (any fun play place of his choice Chucky Cheese, Chick fillet playground, Mc Donalds etc..) If he gets caught, start fresh from that day. Praise him when he is not doing it and remind him of his treat that he will get for doing it.
I know , I know, easier said than done......good luck

Answer 8

Take a pliers and pull every nail straighout out. Then, he will be unable to bite them.

Then when they grow back simply tell him you will do it again if he begins to bite them.

Answer 9

find him a new habbit that he needs his nails to do! like guitar playing! its best to have nails because it wont hurt as much xD

Answer 10

this might be a litttttttttttle bit harsh but it realllllllllly worked

there is a certain nail polish that is veryyyyyyy bitter its actualy for such cases dont knw exactly wat its name but its there

if u didnt find it ... just put some pepper on his nails ... hot pepper that is ... he wil be ok ... and trust me he wil learn his lesson

best of luck