How to Get Your Child to Stop Sucking Their Thumb

As a parent, we all realize that every child is different and they all develop at their own pace. One of the things that society has traditionally judged children by is "thumb sucking". Quite often you will overhear a comment when you are out in public that "that child is way to old to be sucking on their thumb", or "why is that child still using a pacifier at that age". In reality people making these comments may know nothing about the child doing that action, but they will judge them (and their parents) anyways. Making the adjustment away from thumb sucking is something that kids will do at their own pace, but there are ways that parents can help encourage their children to make the adjustment.

The first thing parents must realize is that kids are naturally defiant at times. If you try to force your child to do something it will be met more often by a temper tantrum than by agreement. This means you must skillfully start to leave hints to your child about the need to stop sucking their thumb. When you are in public, do not make a scene with your child. You can quietly say "see, he is your age and he does not suck on his thumb, he is such a big boy/she is such a big girl". This might encourage your child to adjust as kids even at young age tend to want to compete with their peers and also be considered to be "big boys" or "big girls".

Another thing you can do is show your child pictures of kids that developed problems from sucking on their thumb such as issues with their teeth. To aid in this you may want to get you child's dentist or pediatrician involved. Quite often a child might be more defiant to suggestions made by their parents than they are to professionals such as doctors and dentists that don't have the personal attachment a child and parent have to each other. Peer pressure is also another device that can be used but it must be used gently. A lot of times friends of your child might be inquisitive and go "why do you still suck your thumb, are you a baby?". The pressure of their friends is not a bad thing, but you might want to see if you could get them to say to your child "don't you want to be a big boy/big girl like me and not suck your thumb?". If kids hear something like that both from parents, professionals, and friends they will start to realize that the thumb sucking is something that needs to end.

If your child continues their thumb sucking to an extreme age, you will need to consult with your pediatrician. The thumb sucking quite likely is more of an emotional issue than a physical one and your pediatrician would be the best person to assist you in helping your child. Remember, your child might be getting teased by other kids about their thumb sucking and teasing them yourself is more likely to create a defiant reaction. The better you understand the situation and your child understands the need to stop the thumb sucking, the more likely it is to end.