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Sucking their thumb!! Breaking the habit!! Any Ideas??

Tiffany - posted on 08/03/2009 ( 3 moms have responded )

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Hi everyone! My little boy Jason has been sucking his thumb since he popped out, lol. He will be 2yrs old next month. He sucks his thumb ALL the time. Mostly if he is tired, insecure, or he does something he knows he's not suppose to and get caught, lol. I'm worried that he is going to ruin his teeth and need some ideas on how to do this. This is my second child. My first child did not suck his thumb so this is new to me. Any idea wil be very helpful. Thanks in advance.



Tiffany

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3 Comments

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Stephanie - posted on 08/04/2009

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both my twins sucked their thumbs. I decided that they should stop before their 4th birthday. so for 3 months or so before, I started reminding them, if I saw it.
yeah... it didn't work. The older twin stopped a few months later, the younger twin just stopped about 6 months ago. They're almost 7 now.
My mom and my orthodontist both argued with me when I was 8 to give it up. They tried painting my thumb with nasty stuff, I just sucked it off.

Meghan - posted on 08/04/2009

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I agree that you cannot force your child to stop sucking his thumb. My son is almost 2 and sucks his thumb. My husband and I were thumb suckers. I finally stopped in kindergarten when I realized I was being watched by the other children. I remember my parents trying to force me to stop. My dad applied some powder to my thumb, but I just rinsed it off and continued to suck my thumb. My son will put his thumb in his mouth when he is tired also. I just accepted that he may be in braces when his is older, but most kids still need braces even if they did not suck their thumbs. Just hang in there. He will stop when he is ready.

Minnie - posted on 08/03/2009

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Why don't you just see this thing through to its completion? He's two. In an optimal, natural situation, he would still be nursing at your breast. If he doesn't he's got to satisfy that urge to suckle somewhere.



Every child who sucks a finger will give it up of his own volition. Children have a very real need to suck up to about eight or nine. Don't force him before he's ready- you'll create insecurities.

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