Patient's question:
I have a 5-year-old daughter who is currently attending preschool. She has a bad habit of eating her hands, which has been a problem since she was a child and hasn't improved yet. As parents, how can we help her break this habit?Doctor's answer:
Thumb-sucking is a common problem among children. When young children suck their fingers, it indicates their attachment to breastfeeding. Generally, the habit of thumb-sucking gradually disappears after the child is two or three years old. However, if the child still has the habit of thumb-sucking at the age of four, there may be physical or psychological issues.Physical issues: Such as a lack of trace elements like zinc, iron, etc.
Psychological issues: Thumb-sucking can be an external manifestation of psychological problems, such as repression, anxiety, or compulsion. It is recommended that parents first take their child for a trace element test. If there is a deficiency, it should be supplemented promptly. If the problem is caused by psychological issues due to family conflicts and stress on the child, it is necessary to communicate with the child in a timely manner to alleviate their stress. To help the child break the habit of thumb-sucking, it is crucial not to use forceful measures but to encourage them instead. Here are some suggestions:
When the child is thumb-sucking, try to divert their attention by engaging them in more interesting activities to stop the habit. Over time, the bad habit will gradually fade away. At the same time, you should also explain some reasons to them, such as how thumb-sucking is dirty and can leave ugly scars on their hands. If the child listens to your advice and stops sucking their thumb, praise them immediately and give them small rewards. This is not an overnight solution—it requires your patience and effort.