Age 1
Finger-sucking
Finger-sucking begins in the womb and is a way your child relieves anxiety.
What makes my child suck her finger？
★If your child constantly sucks her finger, it may affect the way her teeth grow in.
What should I do when my child sucks her finger？
First, determine why she is sucking her finger.
- When she can’t play and is bored . . .
Invite her to play something else or play with her until she forgets about it. - When she is lonely or anxious . . .
Talk to her or hold her. - At bedtime . . .
Reassure her by holding her hand or patting her until she falls asleep.
Advice
- Think of finger-sucking as a habit that will go away naturally, and be patient.
- If you try to force your child to stop sucking her finger, it will have the opposite effect.
- When your child is able to play outside energetically, she won’t suck her finger as often.