The age-old thumb sucking phenomenon carries as much parental frustration and toddler comfort in this current technological age as it did for families centuries ago. No matter if you’re laid back about your tot’s choice or exhausted from constant failed efforts to convince him to kick the habit, here are a few methods I use to deal with my two year-old’s thumb sucking without shaming him or using force.
Like mother, like son, we both sucked our thumbs as young children. My mother tried every trick in the book to get me to stop. None worked. As the story goes, one momentous day during my fourth year I decided I was too old for the habit, announced it publicly to my proud folks, and quit cold turkey.
Maybe it’s because I myself was a thumb sucker that I have an easygoing approach toward thumb sucking. I don’t emphasize him quitting the habit, but rather encourage him to stop discreetly. (*See tip #4!)
No matter your viewpoint, these techniques should help you feel a little more comfortable with your child’s thumb sucking habit and while increasing the likelihood that he’ll quit sooner rather than later.
ONE: Trim his nails
If your child sucks his thumb, he’s likely getting some kind of germs into his mouth most of the time. Dirt and debris quickly collect under fingernails. This is especially true of curious toddler explorers who fling mud, scramble to pick up cookie crumbs, and all too often mistake the loo for the playroom. Maintaining short, clean nails is the best way to prevent him from getting sick.
TWO: Wash hands frequently
Keep germs at bay by remembering to wash your child’s hands frequently throughout the day, especially before times of day when he’s most likely to suck his thumb.
My son relies on his thumb to ease him into a nap. My baby does the same with both her fingers and toes. Guess who gets a thorough hand (and foot) washing before naptime!
THREE: Distract him
Nobody knows your child better than you. Does he tend to suck his thumb when he’s anxious? Sleepy? Riding in the car? Frightened by a thunderstorm? Hungry?
Determine what cues your child to suck his thumb and plan a distraction. For example, my son tends to suck his thumb when he’s riding in the car. My simple distraction is to reach back and hand him a toy to play with, keeping his little hands busy and out of his mouth.
Four: Hold his hand
This is my favorite way to keep my child from sucking his thumb. There’s nothing sweeter than the feeling of chubby little fingers wrapped around my own, soft skin caressing my hand. I’m not saying to whip the thumb out and hold a prison grip on his beloved thumb, but to gently reach down and ask to hold his hand. More times than not, he’ll happily oblige.
Holding your child’s hand is a gentle reminder to him to keep his thumb out of his mouth while giving him the attention and love that he desires. This technique is especially effective if your child’s love language is physical touch.
I’m no expert on parenting, and I learn more every single day from spending time with my three littles than any textbook could ever impart.
Please share your own parenting wisdom below about how your family deals with thumb sucking. We can all learn from one another.
Cheers,
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