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How to stop thumb/finger sucking!?

Christina - posted on 03/10/2011 ( 2 moms have responded )

My 2 1/2 year old started sucking her thumbs when her baby sister arrived 6 months ago. Her thumbs are so torn up and raw. When her thumbs get too bad she moves on her the next finger. We've tried band-aids but that obviously don't work. We don't want to try the nail polish. Any advice that anyone can give to persuade her by using words only and not "devices" like the thumb guard? Any tricks, tips, games, etc. would be most helpful.

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Christina - posted on 03/12/2011

Thanks, Sara. You are right and I appreciate the insight. I hadn't realized that we were probably causing more stress on her by trying to get her to stop the sucking (here we thought it was only helping her - those poor thumbs! but they will heal). Will try Lanolin asap. Thanks!!

Sara - posted on 03/12/2011

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My daughter does this too, and it drives my hubby nuts. Unfortunately, I don't have any fantastic solutions for you. I was a thumb sucker until probably 3rd grade, and from my personal experience the answer is: You Can't Stop Her. She's doing it for comfort and to deal with stress, and it quickly becomes a habit. She's probably not even aware she's doing it.
As for healing her thumbs/fingers... Lanolin might be a good bet. I'd put it on her when she's less likely to suck on them (i.e., not when she's going to bed, watching TV or winding down).
Good luck! If you find there is a magic cure, please let me know! It would save a lot of friction between my hubby and my daughter, and therefore stress at my house!