My son is 6 1/2 and chews on the neck and sleeves of his shirt is there a reason for this and how do i get him to stop?

Barbara - posted on 01/10/2013

Yea its a thing that they do until they grow out of it just be patient and don't look.

Debbie - posted on 01/06/2013

my daughter is 10 she started chewing the necks of her shirts now she is chewing electrical cords , she has ADHD & PPD & NOS web site says kids that chew alot are ones with ADHD to relieve anxiety .

Jamie - posted on 07/21/2011

My son will be 8 in a couple of weeks. He chews on anything (ex: bed sheets, stuffed animals, shirts, toys, etc.). Last year he was diagnosed with ADHD. One of the questions asked on the diagnoses questionaire was if he chews on items that are not edible. We have taken away his tv. We have tried talking to him. I don't know what to do with him. We have tried everything we can think of. I hear people say it's a phase. I don't believe it. I never did that. My 5 year old doesn't do it. I need help trying to figure out what to do.

Aimee - posted on 01/09/2009

All kids go thru phases. This is one! My son is 7 and he's been doing that since the age of 2. I find it absolutely repulsive but he won't stop and I'm sick of hearing myself nag! So I just pull the shirt/sleeve out of his mouth when I walk by or tap the back of his head. At least he stops for a while! One of my teacher friends says it's normal. It's a sensory thing and they all outgrow it.

Crystal - posted on 01/09/2009

my daughter is getting ready to turn 6 and she does this. she just likes to have things in her mouth. i just encourage her to stop and try to get her interested in something else. she doesn't like wearing a wet shirt either. good luck!

Regina - posted on 01/08/2009

My 5 year old son does the same thing. I asked him just a couple of days ago why he does it. He said most times it's because he feels like it. I just try to encourage him not to do it and let him know how many germs he picks up on his clothes daily. Like all of you, I hope he grows out of it SOON.

Sherry - posted on 01/08/2009

Hi, I am a Nurse, this sounds funny, but go to the pet store and they sell a spray called bitter apple, it is non toxic and tastes awful!! they use it to stop puppies and other chewing animals from chewing cords and clothes etc. Just spray this on the sleeves and it will definately stop your child from chewing the sleeves...and won't hurt him either!!!.....good luck!

Kristina - posted on 01/07/2009

My oldest..15 now, also did the same thing. He eventually retired to straws, pencils, etc... I use to worry but as he got older he out grew it. He has since told me it was just a way of comforting himself, as this maybe thier way. Just do your best to not embarrass him and try replacing the chewing on clothes with something else.

Cindy - posted on 01/07/2009

Yup, just keep nagging them.  My younger son chews on his collar and his shirt sleeves and bites his nails.  I just kept telling "stop biting your nails" or make him change his shirt if it was wet and he finally did stop.  It take something like 13 times to break a habit.  Good luck. 

Amber - posted on 01/07/2009

My daughter does this too, she puts everything in her mouth like a baby does. I usually just remind her how many germs things have on them and ask her to stop. Hopefully she too will outgrow it.

Tina - posted on 01/06/2009

My son loves clothes, so I told him I can't buy you any nice new shirts if that's how you are going to take care of them. For him it was usually when he was bored/overtired. If I made too much of a fuss, it didn't help, I would just remind him usually by touching his hands and make eye contact, then moving on.

Pattie - posted on 01/06/2009

My oldest did the same thing and it took him years to outgrow it, but he finally did.  I just kept nagging him about it until finally stopped.  Good luck!!

Jennifer - posted on 01/06/2009

I agree with Danielle. Just let him grow out of it. I know its annoying and ruins clothes but just remind him when you see him to only put things in his mouth that were made to put in his mouth. Don't say food, he'll ask about toothpaste, straws, etc...

Danielle - posted on 01/06/2009

My son did the same thing...and he grew out of it. Of course we tried many things to encourage him to stop, but he just grew out of it eventually. I personally wouldn't be worried. When you see him doing it, encourage him to stop. :-)