Photo: Google Images
Nail biting is a common nervous
habit (like teeth grinding, tooth sucking, nose picking, etc.) exhibited by
children and teens.
Nail biting is often unacceptable for the parents and other family members and they try to stop it by yelling at the kids and scolding them, which does not work in most cases.
If you are worried about the nail-biting
habit of your kid here is good news, many children leave it after a certain
period of time. However, it could worsen over time, so you need to be patient
and find the reason behind this behavior.
The most important reasons for nail-biting include;
Stress: Children usually do it when they are stressed. Reasons for stress may seem insignificant to adults such as starting a new class, making new friends, exams, etc. But these are very important for children and may cause stress.
Imitation: Children may see others family members or peers doing so and therefore, adopt the habit.
Boredom: Kids have a lot of energy and always need to channel this energy so, when they find nothing to do and feel bored they may start nail-biting.
Photo: Google Images
How to avoid nail biting in kids
1. Clean and trim nails on regular basis. Bigger nails may irritate children and they try to cut those with their teeth, which becomes a habit.
2. Instead of repeatedly asking them to leave this habit, try to distract them and shift their focus on something else such as Let’s play outside or Come help me to cut these vegetables, etc.
3. Be patient with the children because they are going to leave this habit sooner or later. Undue strictness may cause anger and frustration in kids. Try to understand that they are having a hard time so be compassionate.
4. Try to paint their nails with nail polish of unpleasant taste.
5. Make them understand the unwanted health effects of this habit such as soreness and wounding of fingertips.
6. If the child does not stop nail biting even after knowing the negative consequences then wait for the natural consequences like mild pain in the fingertips or itching in teeth,
7. Provide them with a substitute like a rubber toy or fidget so they can temporarily bite that object.
8. Most of the time, children unconsciously do nail biting so politely remind them to stop it or use a code word previously decided between you and your child.
9. Children cannot get rid of this habit overnight so initially try to avoid it in small intervals like let’s make a commitment that you will not do it from breakfast to lunch or 7 am to 1 pm.
10. Provide a certain reward when they are successful during short intervals, give them their favorite chocolate or drink. It will make them happy and motivate them to continue further.
When to seek medical help
If the problem increases with time
and leads to soreness and bleeding of fingertips, then consult your
physician. Moreover, find the reason for this habit and try to eliminate
it.
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