How To Stop Thumb Sucking

By Crystal Arcand on July 22nd, 2009

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My first two kids were pacifier babies, so things were relatively easy when it was time to break the habit. My youngest was another story altogether. She was a thumb baby from the get-go. Now that she’s almost four, it’s time for the thumb to go bye-bye. True, she only does it when she’s sleepy or hurt, but I still think it’s time to stop. The American Dental Association recommends that a child stop thumb-sucking before the permanent teeth come in at about age five. Dr. Caron B. Goode of Inspired Parenting has five tips that (I hope) will help your child stop sucking his or her thumb.

1. Make It Your Child’s Idea – Point out all the ways that your child as grown and tell her how proud you are of her. She’s given up bottles and diapers and the crib – what else could she get rid of to be an even bigger kid? If she doesn’t mention sucking her thumb, suggest it and see if she grasps on to the idea.
2. Weaken the Habit – Make it harder for him to suck his thumb by involving him in activities that require both hands. Bedtime and naptime are the most difficult – let him hold the story book you’re reading or love on a stuffed animal.
3. Help Your Child Notice When Thumb Sucking Occurs – Decide (with your child) on a secret signal that you’ll use to bring her attention to the fact that her thumb has gone a secret mission to her mouth. A secret signal preserves your child’s dignity and builds a fun bond between you.
4. Use Authority – Call in the big guns. Dr. Goodteeth and Dr. Bigkid have been around for as long as your child can remember and has always known what was going on. Let them talk to your child about ways he can keep getting bigger – including saying goodbye to thumb sucking.
5. Consider Peer Pressure – Allowing your child to be in social situations with children that don’t suck their thumbs at times when your child does can be a strong motivator. Bethany just might decide to stop sucking her thumb when Sofia asks her why she does it at naptime.

Armed with these tips and almost a year before her permanent teeth come in, I’m confident (well, really hopeful) that Bethany will not graduate sucking her thumb. What has worked for you? I have a feeling I’m going to need all the ideas I can get!