Squash out Thumbsucking

RATE: 
1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 Rating 2.00 (2 Votes)

Set up a reward program for when your child keeps his thumb out of his mouth. For example, present him with a sticker for every day that he can go without sucking. Once he's accumulated a set number of stickers, allow him to buy a toy or something special that he will associate with abstaining from thumbsucking. Put a Band-Aid or tape on the tip of the thumb. Reward your child with verbal praise when you notice that the child isn't sucking.

Also check out...
At bedtime, put a sock on his thumb to discourage thumbsucking at night. Explain to your child the ramifications of thumbsucking - germs, braces, retainers. You can also try applying non-toxic nail coating such as Thum. Use it in the morning and at night. Of course, your plan of action may call for a combination of more than one of these approaches. Eventually your child will outgrow the habit. After all, how many adults to you see walking around with their thumbs in their mouths?