How do you stop a kid from thumbsucking?


Question: My daughter is 2 years old and still sucks her thumb, constantly. I would appreciate some ideas on how to get her to stop. I try not to make a big deal out of it, because if she knows its bothering us, well she is just going to want it more lol. We've tried putting vinegar on her finger, a bandage on her finger and then we've tried to just redirect her to doing soemthing else with her hands. The only thing that worked was a few months ago she got a cut on her thumbsucking thumb and stopped sucking for about a week till the cut healed. Obviously I'm not going to cut her thumb again but I'm all ears for suggestions.

Answers:
I'm glad you tried some things.

Here is one other thing that I can suggest: repetition. If she is around others of the same age, gently verbalize to her that other children don't do it anymore, and now that she is a "big girl", she shouldn't either. At this age, children learn by example, and repeating yourself over and over will eventually sink in.

Also, this may only be a phase. If it continues to a point where she devlopes blisters or other skin problems, take her to her pediatrician. Remember that she is growing in most of her teeth as well, and dental problems can stem from agressive thumb-sucking.

Good luck, and have patience!
i guess the vinegar does not proved effective try putting a bit more stronger try chilli but dotn over do it just a thad bit enough to discourage her. but make sure you have a milk on hand this is the best way to remove the effect of chilli coz milk would "wash down" the chilli in her mouth & tongue.


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