My son has a problem with chewing on his toys- what is that called and how is it treated???

Question

He is 3 years old. Will he grow out of it or does he need some other help?

Answer 1

As the mom of 2, I have also encountered this --in fact, my son used to eat books! Yes, they do outgrow it, and no I don't think it's abnormal, just be very careful that his toys don't have any small pieces. I don't really think that he requires any treatment for it, it's just part of being a kid!!

Answer 2

It's calledbeing 3! Seriosly, this has been described as the 'oral' stage, by Freud. Other psychologists have noted that babies (which may include the first 3 years) explore things with their mouths. Also, boys. Bless 'em, they seem to do this more than girls. Dummies (pacifiers), bottles, lidded cups, thumbs - you name it, they'll put it in their mouths! I work with 3 - 8 year olds, and I wouldn't consider this a huge problem at the beginning of this age group. It can, of course, be very annoying, as it ruins toys and clothes. Distraction often works well, or let him have something its okay to chew. I am sure he will grow out of it.

I wonder if you were thinking of a condition in older people, especially those with learning difficulties, called pica. Usually this involves actually swallowing non-food items, and is obviously more of a worry.

Unless your son is actually swallowing things, I wouldn't worry too much. Obviously, you could consult a health visitor (in UK - don't know US equivalent) or doctor.

Good luck and try not to worry

Answer 3

At three, he wouldn't be teething anymore, some kids are just chewers. You should start now helping him learn appropriate rules for chewing so that he is not chewing on toys at school etc. Somethings in life are okay to chew; gum, your own pencils and pens, food. Some things are not. Give him lots of opportunities to chew on gummies or gum throughout the day and help him learn not to chew on toys by making some toys off limits for chewing and slowly extending the rule to all toys etc. We have all met people who just seem to always be chewing, he may be one of those people, he may not. Helping him learn appropriate social rules now will help him be a healthy happy adult.

Answer 4

Don't even worry till closer to school age. they tend to grow out of it.

Did he use a pacifier when small? My guess is yes...so he is tapering off.

at about 4.5 years of age if it hasn't ended, you can actually talk to him and make agreements and both try to stick to them. The key is don't let them sub in chewing fingernails.

Old Guy, Eldest shed it late and is fine without major intervention.

Answer 5

This is obviously the early stages of Cannibalism. You wanna watch him...it starts out innocently chewing on his teddies ear - the next thing you know he'll be chewing your face off. I say donate him to science and see what they come up with. Apparently some science labs pay a good price for small kids...

Answer 6

They call that being a toddler/baby. they chew on everything. like a puppy. they ususally grow out of it.

Answer 7

It could be a nervous or comforting habit or it could be he is craving something..Try putting him on a daily vitamin and see if that helps..Your body tends to crave chewing on werid things when its missing vitamins or minerals.

Answer 8

It is ok and normal. All children do this. It can sometimes be to release anger or agression, or it can be teething. Also alot of the time it is just pure curiosity

Answer 9

Hes teething. Maybe time to see a dendist?

Answer 10

What is that called? Normal.
He'll grow out of it.