Stop Thumbsucking

Babies have a natural reflex to suck, and many find it comforting to suck their thumb or fingers - even before birth. It's a common behavior in young children that usually stops on its own by the time they start school. However, for some children - and adults - the thumb-sucking habit is hard to break. This article offers tips on how to help both children and adults stop sucking their thumb.

Steps

Stop a Child's Thumbsucking

  1. Assess whether the thumb-sucking is a problem. Thumb-sucking is a normal, natural behavior for many children, and is something they do to comfort themselves and alleviate anxiety. Generally, it will not need correction if it does not continue past 2-4 years of age; most children will give it up before starting kindergarten. However, if you notice any of the following, it might be a problem.
    • It's causing dental problems[1] - Thumb-sucking can sometimes affect a child's bite, the alignment of their teeth, or the way the roof of their mouth develops.
    • It's causing social problems - Children who suck their thumb may be teased, ostracized or bullied.
    • It's causing medical problems[2] - Persistent thumbsucking can cause the skin on the thumb to shrivel, crack, or chap. It can prevent the nail from growing properly, or even cause infections under and around the nail bed.
  2. Watch for triggers. Many children suck their thumb only at certain times, like when they are falling asleep or riding in the car. Others do it for comfort when they're hurt or upset. In many cases, they might not even be aware that they are sucking their thumb. Learning your child's triggers can offer clues as to the best method for helping them stop.
  3. Ignore it. Children often use behaviors like thumbsucking to get attention from adults; they can also become battlegrounds for power struggles between parents and children. The more you talk about or call attention to the behavior, the more your child will do it. If you suspect this is the case, try to ignore the thumbsucking for a period of time. Give it about a month, and see what happens. Your child may stop sucking their thumb on their own.
  4. Use positive reinforcement. Positive reinforcement is one of the best ways to encourage behavior change in children. Give verbal praise to your child for not sucking their thumb. You could also set up a simple reward system. Put a sticker on the calendar for every day your child does not suck their thumb. At the end of a week with no thumbsucking, give your child a small reward or prize - an extra bedtime story or a small toy. At the end of a month, offer a larger reward, perhaps a special outing. Gradually extend the length of time required to earn rewards.
  5. Cover the thumb. A thumb that is covered will not feel or taste the same as a bare thumb, and this is often enough to stop many children's thumbsucking. Try a band aid, a finger cot, a small finger puppet, or a thumb guard. If thumbsucking occurs mainly at night, try putting a mitten or a sock over the hand.
  6. Distract your child with activities that require two hands. It's hard for a child to suck their thumb if it's in use. Keep your child busy with art supplies, outdoor play, blocks, puzzles, or anything that requires them to use two hands.
  7. Remember to engage your child in the process. No matter what method you choose, it will not work if your child does not want to stop thumbsucking. You will meet with much greater success if you are working with a willing participant. Talk to your child about why they need to stop sucking their thumb. Explain your plan and make sure they know what to expect. Ask them what might help them stop; their answers might surprise you.

Stop Your Own Thumbsucking

  1. Understand why you suck your thumb. Adults suck their thumb for the same reason children do: it feels good and comforts them. For some, it's just a bad habit; for others, it's a mechanism for coping with stress. Try these ideas for figuring out why you suck your thumb.
    • Keep a journal - Every time you catch yourself sucking your thumb, write it down. Note what's happening and what you are thinking or feeling at that moment.
    • Look for patterns - At the end of the week, look over the notes in your journal and look for patterns in your thumbsucking. You may find that you always suck your thumb when you feel stressed or bored, when you are watching TV, or when you are falling asleep.
    • Pay attention - Now that you're aware of your habit and your patterns, pay attention when you're in situations that lead to thumbsucking. Sometimes simply being aware of your habit can help you end it.
  2. Identify a substitute. If you find that having something in your mouth is soothing, try something else besides your thumb. Try a lollipop, mints, gum, or a piece of hard candy.
  3. Keep your hands busy. You can't suck your thumb if you are using your hands. Pick up a hobby like knitting or crocheting. Carry something in your pocket like a worry stone or stress ball, and play with it when you get the urge to suck your thumb.
  4. Try negative reinforcement. Negative reinforcement isn't the best way to end a habit, but it does work for some people. Apply a bitter or bad tasting substance to your thumb. Wear a rubber band around your wrist, and snap it every time you find yourself sucking your thumb. Or, adopt the "swear jar" concept and make yourself literally pay for thumbsucking.
  5. Get professional help. Some adults suck their thumb because of serious anxiety problems, and they are not able to end their habit until they address its root cause. If you suspect this is the case for you, seek the services of a counselor or other mental health professional.
  6. Apply nail polish. Some people find that the taste of nail polish deters them from thumbsucking.

Tips

  • Wearing a sock over your hand at night really helps. But motivation is key. Thumb sucking is an addiction, and quitting is really difficult. So, motivate yourself and set goals. Maybe try to limit the amount you suck your thumb everyday until your down to no time at all.
  • Products that cover the thumb or a simple sock over the finger will not work for adults and older children, because the habit is so developed at this point that it can't be ceased through behavioral tactics. The only effective tools are those that break the suction, such as intra-oral cribs or "thumbguards".
  • Try clenching you're hands together. It will make it feel really uncomfortable when you're trying to suck.
  • Try getting a slinky or other "fidget toy" to keep hands busy. Make sure they're durable (plastic slinkies break and tangle easily).

Warnings

  • Do not put hot sauce or cayenne pepper on a child's thumb to make them stop sucking it. IT WOULD NOT HELP!!!
  • Do not use duct tape. They are extremely sticky and very difficult to get it off. It also dries your skin.
  • Never physically punish a child for sucking their thumb.
    • Avoid using "sippy-cups". In many cases, these popular devices have been shown to exacerbate the problem of thumb-sucking.

Related Articles

Sources and Citations

  1. ↑ http://www.webmd.com/oral-health/oral-health-problems-children
  2. ↑ http://www.webmd.com/baby/features/breaking-thumb-sucking-habit
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