Thumb Sucking

GENERAL INFORMATION:

What is it? Thumb or finger sucking is common in children. A baby's need to suck is very strong the first 6 months. Some babies suck their thumbs even before they are born or right after they are born. Some children still suck their fingers when they start school. Your child may get comfort from sucking the thumb or finger. Most children stop thumb sucking by 6 to 8 years of age. Your child may have long-term teeth problems if thumb sucking lasts past 7 years.

Causes: Why some children suck their fingers is not known. All children have a need to suck. Some children may suck their thumb or fingers even when they are not hungry. As your child gets older he may suck his thumb when tense, tired or bored.

Care: The best way for you to deal with thumb sucking is to ignore it. Giving your child a pacifier may keep him from thumb sucking. Medicines, reminders, and rewards may also help keep your child from sucking. Do not punish your child because of thumb sucking. Punishing your child may make his thumb sucking worse.

Support:

• Accepting that your child has a problem is hard. You and those close to you may feel angry, sad, or frightened. These feelings are normal. Talk to your caregivers, family, or friends about your feelings. Let them help you. Talk to your caregiver about how things are at home. Or, you can read the following books for more information.
  
  
  • Harold's Hideaway Thumb. Written by Harriet Sonnenschein. Aladdin Paperbacks, 1993.
    
    
  • Helping The Thumb-Sucking Child: A Practical Guide For Parents. Written by Rose Marie Van Norman. Avery Pub. Group, 1999.
    
    
  • My Thumb And I: A Proven Approach To Stop A Thumbor Finger Sucking Habit, For Ages 6-10. Written by Carol A. Mayer. Chicago Spectrum Press, 1997.
  
  

CARE AGREEMENT:

You have the right to help plan your child's care. To help with this plan, you must learn about your child's health condition and how it may be treated. You can then discuss treatment options with your child's caregivers. Work with them to decide what care may be used to treat your child.

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