Thumb sucking is something babies do to soothe themselves. Although these coping mechanisms help young children reduce their anxiety, you may want them to stop this habit by the time they reach kindergarten or preschool so they can avoid potential problems with their growing mouth. You can also know more about how to stop thumb sucking in children through various websites.
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The trick is to get the process right and help your child slowly overcome the urge to put his finger in his mouth.
Here are some tips to stop your child from sucking their thumb:
1. Explain why they should stop. Do not abuse, ridicule, or criticize your child. Explain carefully why they should stop thumb sucking, especially in public. You can tell them this is a bedtime exercise they can do before a nap or at night.
2. Use concrete reinforcement. Set achievable goals, such as not sucking your thumb one hour before bedtime. Offer rewards such as a trip to the park if your child achieves this goal.
3. Teach other coping skills. Your child may start thumb sucking when they are emphasized. Bring attention to the fact that they are thumb sucking, soothe them and hug them with reassuring words, and give them a rammed animal to squeeze to release their anxiety instead.
