How to Stop Thumbsucking
As a parent, you will no doubt be aware of just how difficult
it can be to make your child give up some of their earliest habits in life. At
their youngest, a child will have no qualms about going into their shell and
just sticking with what makes them feel most comfortable. However, if you want
to know how to
stop thumbsucking and other habits that can hamper your child’s development –
or even put it at risk of halting entirely – then these simple tips should come
in handy for correcting the situation as soon as you possibly can;
Create an Incentive
One of the easiest ways to make progress with how to stop thumbsucking once and
for all is to give your child some kind of incentive/reward for stopping
thumbsucking in the first place. Make sure that they know if they do so they’ll
get that big toy they wanted or you’ll take them to see something specific at
the cinema – whatever your child loves doing can be used as an incentive.
If they know that stopping will benefit them via a reward
then they are more likely to actually try.
Give Them it Straight
Alternatively, you can give your child the cold, hard facts –
thumb sucking is for babies. Children are conscious of how they are seen by
others and, although a little devious, you can use this to get your own way
when it comes to finding out how to stop thumbsucking. Make the insinuation
that it’s for babies and not for grown up children who are mature and can be
responsible – if your child wants to be seen as growing up and learning, they
will give it a rest.
Avoid Confrontation
While this might not be a solution as such on how to stop
thumbsucking, it’s an easy way to make sure it does not become a prolonged
battle. Your child is less likely to stop if you keep badgering them and making
it a big deal – even if you have tried being nice and it hasn’t worked, playing
the long game is going to be far more beneficial than shouting at your child
and trying to force the issue.
Avoid a big argument and confrontation and you won’t fall out
over it. Approach the problem with a domestic attitude and you are more likely
to find a solution that you are both happy with.
Of course, for those who are really struggling to find some
kind of solution, there are many practical objects that you can put in place
that will help to stop thumbsucking – most of which your children are going to
absolutely love! Cool little props, gloves and many other smart little
instruments can be used to give your child the kind of help that they need.
Guest post from our friends at Glovey Huggey
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