Michelle Aycock | Monday, July 9, 2007
Original Source:Savannah Morning News

Nail-biting, nose-picking, and thumb-sucking are habits which can annoy parents. Parents may refer to these habits as bad, however, they are a normal part of your child’s emotional development. Children use these habits to self-soothe when stressed or anxious.


Children may begin to rely on them to feel calm and in control of stressful situations. Parents can help break bad habits by not making a big deal of it. Calling your child gross, or shaming he/she into stopping the habit won’t work and can be demeaning. Be willing to talk with your child about why they feel stressed or anxious. Also, redirect your child’s bad habits by helping them find a positive behavior to replace it.

Nail-biting, nose-picking, and thumb-sucking are habits which can annoy parents. Parents may refer to these habits as bad, however, they are a normal part of your child’s emotional development. Children use these habits to self-soothe when stressed or anxious. Kids may begin to rely on them to feel calm and in control of stressful situations. Parents can help break bad habits by not making a big deal of it. Calling your child gross, or shaming he/she into stopping the habit won’t work and can be demeaning. Be willing to talk with your child about why they feel stressed or anxious. Also, redirect your child’s bad habits by helping them find a positive behavior to replace it.

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