How do I get my three year old to quit sucking his thumb?

Question

When I tell him to get his thumb out of his mouth he smiles and laughs and says just kidding. He is probably going to need braces whether he stops now or not but what would be a good way to get his to stop? Or will I be able to get him to stop? Does he have to do it on his own?

Answer 1

I knew a friend who told me that she just put bandaids on the thumb and the child just stopped one day.

Answer 2

I just went though this with my 3 1/2 year old. I first tryed the methods like look at your teeth in the mirror and when u go to school everyone is going to call you a baby and that didn't work. So finally one day I looked at her chapped thumb and told her it was going to fall off. She hasnt sucked her thumb since.

Answer 3

My so was the same way.. I didn't really bug him about it and now he's almost 5 and hasn't sucked his thumb in over a year and a half.. He broke the habit on his own.. Just give your child some time.. The more you harp on it, the more he probably is gonna want to do it.. Good luck to you

Answer 4

There is this nail polish that you coat their fingers with. It leaves a nasty taste in their mouth. Try that. It is perfectly safe. You can find it in some drug stores and baby specialty shops. Or, you can rub a small amount of hot sauce on his thumb (very very small)

Answer 5

Put a little alum on the thumb. Yuuuuuck

Answer 6

Try putting some fresh aloe (straight from the plant) on his thumb. I guarantee he will never suck it again

Answer 7

Try the nail polish, or any sauce that your son doesn't like. Make him wear gloves, and have him do things to distract him from his thumb.

Answer 8

Try some "bitter yuk" It is a natural spray you put on shoes to keep dogs from chewing them up. It is made of natural herbs, so it is likely safe. I would read up on it to be safe first.

Answer 9

Put hot pepper on his thumb and he will immediately stop.

Answer 10

Put some tobaso sauce on it.