3 yr. old biting nails?
No smart a** remarks please, this is my kid we're talking about!
Answers:
Well, I can think of four possible solutions:
~Try to keep his nails trimmed every couple of days to give him less to bite at. Make it a big and fun production ("Guess what it's time for??? Trimming!! Yay!") Maybe make up a song to a familiar tune that you sing each time. If he learns it he may start singing it spontaneously (as he would with any other song) and that will help him remember not to bite them. Give him a reward when there is actually growth there to remove (it means he didn't bite it away).
~Offer a substitute item to occupy his mouth with, like a healthy snack (keep the portion very small because the behavior will probably repeat often), or start singing songs (can't bite and sing at the same time).
~Make a calendar-like chart. Mark each day that he doesn't bite his nails (a smiley face, a sticker, etc) and when he reaches the goal (a week?) he earns a reward (a movie, a trip to the park, a trip to the dollar store, etc).
~And, most importantly, heap praise upon him when you notice that he is NOT biting ("Oh, Johnny, I see that you are [fill in the blank] instead of biting your nails. I'm so proud/happy/excited about that! That is a wonderful thing to be doing!" Say it really animated to get him excited. Offer him a reward, like an extra story or puzzle or a sticker.
Good luck!
put them in some onions...unless he likes it... but if you believe in discipline... let him know there is going to be conseqences to him bitting his nails
More Questions & Answers...
- What should I ask them?
- What are some alternatives to the ferber method?
- My usually very well behaved 5 yr old is now having behavior problems.?
- Is there a good, free, online resource for potty training info?
- What is the best thing to give a 2year old for constipation.And for upset stomach and vomiting?
- How do I get my 2 1/2 year old son to put himself to bed?