Patient's question:
Doctor, my baby is just two months old now, but I've noticed he's been eating his fingers a lot lately. Is this a sign that he might be lacking something? Also, I'd like to ask when my child should start taking calcium and zinc supplements. Is it a bit too early to start now?Doctor's answer:
Hello, why do children suck their fingers? First, when children are under excessive pressure or lack a sense of security, they may reduce anxiety and relax by sucking their fingers. Over time, "sucking fingers" becomes a habit. Second, inappropriate parenting methods are the reason why children cannot break the habit. When parents see their children sucking their fingers, they become very anxious and immediately scold them, even physically punish them. What parents fail to realize is that such actions make children more tense and anxious, and even lead to oppositional behavior, making it even harder to break the habit.How should parents respond?
1. Behavioral (neglect): If it is not particularly severe, parents can adopt a indifferent attitude. Too much attention, correction, or criticism will make children focus more on their behavior and become more tense, thereby reinforcing the habit and making them suck their fingers even more. Parents need to overcome their own anxiety and control their emotions and actions.
2. Attention and love: Sometimes children suck their fingers to attract their parents' attention because they rarely receive it. Before losing their temper, parents should reflect on whether they provide enough attention to their children. Do they only notice their children when they exhibit bad behavior?
3. Occupying both hands: Parents can come up with various ways to keep their children's hands busy, such as engaging them in activities or games that require both hands. This will gradually reduce the time children spend sucking their fingers, and the habit may eventually disappear.