Follow these recommendations so that your child stops sucking his thumb without damaging his self-esteem.
Thumb suckingor better known to experts as non-nutritive sucking is a behavior that is already present in fetuses in the womb. It is different from sucking for nutritional purposes but, in a certain sense, it shares the function of calming the child. For this reason thumb sucking is still considered normal at these ages and many children do it even though they continue to breastfeed. Licking your finger tells us about the little one’s needs, desires and fears. This does not mean that children who maintain this habit are especially problematic, but it does mean that they still have a baby to turn to when they cannot resolve their conflicts in any other way, which is also normal. Throughout the day many disturbing situations can occur: boredom, sleep, hunger, anger, impatience, loneliness, frustration etc. In those moments, thumb sucking is usually a way for him to console himself, calm down and have a good and protective mother symbolically with him, since the chubby finger in the mouth recreates the feeling of well-being and security of the mother’s breast. Not all children have this habit, but everyone can turn to the thumb at any given time.
If your child sucks his thumb when?
1. You fall asleep. The sucking during the nap or at night has a certain involuntary character. The most sensible thing is to remove the finger from his mouth when the little one sleeps. We can also stay by his side while he falls asleep to give him security and, for example, kiss the palms of his hands, asking him to keep them tightly closed so that our kisses do not escape.
2. You are having a tantrum or are sad. Offer your hand, pat or pat it or tickle it? When levels of distress drop, the need to have the finger in the mouth also drops.
3. Feel ashamed or afraid. Thumb sucking calms you down and gives you security. Stay by his side, take him in his arms to help him face the dreaded situations. As you feel secure, you don’t need to “hide” behind the little hand.
4. You are hungry. If while the little one is waiting for his snack he puts his hand to his mouth, give him something to manipulate and distract him. When you see the advantages of having both hands free to play, hug and even break and fuss, you will not remember the finger at all.
Don’t forget what?
1. Alternatives are not imposed. Proposing other things to him so that he doesn’t suck his thumb is fine, but they should never be imposed as a punishment or a duty. If he feels uncomfortable or rejects them, there is no need to force or pressure him, as this is not a problematic habit at the moment. The ideal is to allow and gradually reinforce other ways to calm down, without stress. Many parents, from their own experience, recommend ignoring the issue.
2. Punishments are useless. At this age the child will not always collaborate or understand our advice. His finger and he can continue to be inseparable for a while, so it is best to arm yourself with patience and affection, not scold him (thus, you will only manage to increase his discomfort at something that, after all, is quite natural) and, for Of course, do not use coercive measures of any kind.