|
In parenting circles, thumb sucking
is a double edge sword. On one hand, it comforts your child. On
the other, it may cause orthodontia problems. This ongoing
debate boils down to one question: When should parents take
issue with thumb sucking?
Children suck their thumbs for a
variety of reasons. For infants, it is a natural reflex that
often begins in the womb. As babies grow, they learn a lot about
their bodies and the world around them through sucking. They
suck on their fingers, clothing, and toys. From this action they
learn what is pleasing and what is uncomfortable. Sucking on an
ice cube or cool teething ring feels good when those first teeth
are trying to break through. However, when the same child sucks
on a hard plastic toy, she may experience discomfort.
Young children also use sucking to
soothe and comfort themselves. Since the action is relaxing, it
often induces sleep. That is why parents will notice children
sucking their thumbs when they are tired. In fact, many thumb
suckers fall asleep more easily, are able to put themselves back
to sleep quicker, and sleep through the night much earlier than
their non-thumb sucking peers.
With all these positives, is there a
point when parents should be concerned about thumb sucking?
According to the American Dental Association (ADA), after a
child’s permanent teeth come in, thumb sucking can cause
problems. It can interfere with proper mouth growth, teeth
alignment, and cause changes to the roof of the mouth. One
factor that determines whether a child will have dental problems
is the intensity with which she sucks. A child who just rests
her thumb in her mouth or passively sucks on it is less likely
to develop problems than a child who sucks her thumb in earnest.
Therefore, parents whose children are vigorous thumb suckers
should pay attention to any changes in their child’s primary
teeth, and consult a dentist if any are noted.
The ADA recommends children give up
thumb sucking by the time their permanent front teeth start
coming in. This is typically around the age of five, but the
good news is that the majority of children lose interest in
thumb sucking long before this point. If your child is not one
of them, then you may have to intervene.
Helping Your Child Give Up The
Thumb
-
Earlier is not always better. Studies of older thumb
suckers show they have one thing in common. They were all
encouraged by their parents, in one way or another, to stop
sucking their thumb at an early age. It appears that their
well meaning parents actually enforced their thumb sucking
by trying to force their children to stop.
-
Create an environment where she wants to stop on her own.
Nagging your thumb sucker is no good for either of you.
Instead, encourage her to realize how much she has grown and
changed. Show her what she has left behind on her way to
maturity. Point out that she no longer has use for diapers,
bottles, or high chairs. Tell her how proud you are of that.
Ask her what else she thinks she will give up. If she
doesn’t say thumb sucking, then you should suggest it.
-
Weaken the habit. When you notice her thumb in her
mouth, try to distract her. Engage her in an activity that
requires she use both hands. Be especially prepared before
nap and bedtime. Have her hold the book you are reading or
hug a stuffed animal with each arm.
-
Help her notice. When she wants to give up thumb
sucking, tell her about a habit you gave up and how hard it
was. Then decide on a secret signal between the two of you.
When she unconsciously slips her thumb in her mouth, and she
will, you can use the secret signal to help her realize what
she is doing. By using a secret signal, you replace what
could be a shameful situation with fun.
-
Use authority. Comments from her pediatrician and
dentist can work wonders. These authority figures have been
a constant in her life. They can help her feel that she
wants to stop sucking her thumb because she is growing up.
-
Peer pressure. Friends are very important to this age
group. Having a sleepover with friends that do not suck
their thumbs can be very helpful. If she sucks her thumb and
they mention it, this might be the motivation she needs to
stop.
Dr. Caron B. Goode is the founder of
the Academy for Coaching Parents International, a training and
certification program for parent coaches. In addition to duties
with the academy, Goode is the founding editor of the website
InspiredParenting.net, and the author of eleven books, the
most recent of which is Help Kids Cope with Stress & Trauma,
which includes several chapters on he use of storytelling
strategies. For more information on The Academy for Coaching
Parents International or to sign up for academy announcements,
visit
www.acpi.biz .
back to top
|
