How do I stop my 5yr old from thumb sucking?

Elaine - posted on 01/21/2010

My son will be 5 in a few months and he still sucks his thumb too. He actually told me that he does not do it in school though which I thought was kinda impressive. He only does it when he is tired or needs comfort. My brother sucked his thumb until he was 6, my mom never worried about it so I'm not going to either. There may be braces in his future but isn't that whats in style anyway!? My almost 2 yr old won't give up the bottle, thats his comfort. I pick my battles and I am choosing to lose these 2 for now. I have bigger things to worry about in life! Good Luck!

Danielle - posted on 01/21/2010

Porohu, I have a six year old son who still sucks his thumb and he only does this when he is tired and over tired. He does not do it at school during the day just at night till he falls asleep then his thumb falls out. He has lost 6 of his baby teeth and already has is two bottom permant teeth and the one front tooth. He has been to the dentist since he's 1year old and they asked once if he sucks his thumb and i said yes and they said he shouldn't since then I told him just say no when asked and they don't ask anymore because his teeth are growing just fine. I wouldn't worry about what they say they don't know I know lots of people including myself that sucked their fingers and thumb which i sucked my finger till i was ten and i have straight teeth no over bite underbite any of that crap and I think she'll be fine. I don't believe in putting any of that junk on his finger or thumb. Imagine if that was you how would you like that. I say she'll stop when she's ready. I would worry about it at all. She will out grow it when she's ready. It's a security thing for them. Good luck. Danielle

Julia - posted on 01/20/2010

FYI.. I have a 7yr old whom sucks his thumb and has from birth.. I have tried the nail bit'n stuff, pepper, Hot pepper juice and etc... Nothing has worked for him he is still sucking his thumb.. My son see's his dentist that said to me dont worry about the teeth they are fixable that it was a comfort thing just like some kids have a paci or a blanket even a doll or toy.. I always tell people he is gonna suck his thumb thru college.. I wish you lots of luck with this and if you find a cure please send it to me..

Nichole - posted on 01/18/2010

There is a clear bitter nail polish stuff out. I can't think of the name but it is marketed specifically for kids to help them stop sucking their thumbs. I would try that or maybe some gloves let her pick them out and tell her they are magical they are supposed to remind her she is a big girl now and is not to suck on her thumb anymore.

Amanda - posted on 01/18/2010

Hi. I'm a mother of two kids who sucked my thumb until I was nine. Try putting something that taste horrible, but not toxic and put it on his thumbs. Make sure it's both as a serious thumb sucker you will suck on either one if you have too. I might suggest tabsco or rub peppers on them thats a taste that is hard to get rid of even after hand washing. Hope it helps. Good Luck!

Amanda - posted on 01/18/2010

Hi. I'm a mother of two kids who sucked my thumb until I was nine. Try putting something that taste horrible, but not toxic and put it on his thumbs. Make sure it's both as a serious thumb sucker you will suck on either one if you have too. I might suggest tabsco or rub peppers on them thats a taste that is hard to get rid of even after hand washing. Hope it helps. Good Luck!