Finger sucking is a natural behavior in many children that may be formed for various reasons such as anxiety relief, easier sleep or simply as a repetitive habit. In most cases, this behavior decreases with the growth of the child, but sometimes it may continue and cause parents to worry. In this article, effective ways to stop thumb sucking in children are discussed.

Reasons of finger sucking in children

There are various reasons for this habit that can include physiological, psychological and environmental factors. Here are the most important reasons for finger sucking in children:

1. The need for relief and relaxation

Sucking a finger can be a soothing method for a child. Many children do this behavior when they feel anxious, tired or upset. This behavior acts as a calming mechanism for the child and helps him feel more secure.

2. Teething period

One of the common reasons for finger sucking in babies and young children is teething. At this time, the baby's gums may become sore and finger sucking can help relieve the pain. This behavior is normal during this period and usually decreases when the teeth come out.

3. Learned Behavioral Patterns

Children may learn finger sucking as a habit from infancy. This behavior may be unconsciously formed as a fixed habit in the child, even when the child no longer needs to be comforted or soothed. In some cases, this habit continues at an older age.

4. Stress and Anxiety

Sometimes, a child chooses thumb sucking as a self-soothing method to deal with feelings of stress and anxiety. This behavior may intensify when the child faces changes in life (such as entering kindergarten, separation from parents or changes in the family environment).

5. Attention deficit or need for affection

Children may use finger sucking as a way to get attention from their parents or caregivers. When a child feels that he needs attention or is not getting enough affection, he may turn to this behavior to get the attention of adults.

6. Lack of activity or boredom

Sometimes, a child may suck his finger when he feels bored or tired. In this situation, the child may need more entertainment or need more sensory stimulation to draw attention to himself.

7. Genetic factors

Studies have shown that genetic factors can also play a role in the tendency to suck fingers. Some children may naturally be more inclined to do this behavior, especially if one of their parents or family members had this habit in the past.

8. Social learning

Children may learn finger sucking behavior from peers or other family members. If the child is in an environment where others do this behavior, it is likely that he will accept this behavior as a model.

9. Medical or physical problems

In some cases, medical problems such as anxiety disorders, sleep problems, or other psychological problems can lead to finger sucking in children. This behavior may appear as a symptom of another psychological or physical problem.

How can we quit this habit?

To help children quit the habit of finger sucking, various methods can be used:

1. Care and attention to the root cause

First of all, parents should identify the root cause of the child's finger sucking. Does the child have this habit because of anxiety, fatigue or other reasons? The answer to this question can help.

2. Creating a relaxing environment

If the child sucks his finger due to stress or anxiety, creating a calm and loving environment can be helpful. Parents should make sure that the child has enough attention and love. 3. Keeping the hands busy

One of the effective ways to stop this habit is to keep the child's hands busy. Giving special toys, books or hands-on activities can discourage the child from sucking his finger.

4. Encouragement and reward

Encouragement methods can be effective along with educational methods. Parents can reward the child for periods without finger sucking to encourage him to quit this habit.

5. Using positive educational approaches

Using positive educational approaches such as replacing appropriate behaviors can help the child to leave bad habits. For example, the child can be taught to use a soft toy or another object instead of sucking his finger when he feels anxious or needs to calm down.

6. Consultation with specialists

If these methods are not effective, consultation with a child's doctor or psychologist can be useful in identifying and treating the cause of finger sucking habit. Experts may recommend therapeutic or counseling techniques to deal with this behavior.

Consequences of not giving up the habit of sucking Finger

If this habit continues for a long time, it can lead to various problems:

1. Dental problems

One of the main consequences of not giving up the habit of finger sucking is the occurrence of dental problems. Finger sucking can cause changes in the condition of the jaw and teeth. Some of these problems include:

• Damage to the teeth: Continuous finger pressure on the child's teeth can cause problems such as crooked teeth, upper or lower bite, or jaw deviation.
• Problems in chewing: Continuing this habit can cause problems in the way of chewing and swallowing food. In some cases, these problems can lead to pain and discomfort when eating.
• Effect on teeth growth: In some cases, finger sucking can have a negative effect on the natural growth of teeth and cause dental problems in adulthood.

2. Speech problems

Finger sucking, especially in children who continue this habit continuously, can cause problems in language and speech development. Some of these problems include:

• Lack of proper speech development: Finger sucking may cause a delay in the development of the child's speech and language skills.
• Problems in pronouncing some sounds: Finger pressure on the teeth and gums can cause problems in pronouncing certain sounds or words.
• Disorders in the production of sounds: This habit may continue to Especially in severe cases, it can lead to disturbances in the production of sounds such as "L" and "R".

3. Psychological and social effects

Finger sucking can have negative psychological and social effects for the child, especially if the child continues this habit at an older age.

• Feeling of shame: Children may feel shame if their behavior is observed by their peers. This feeling may lead to a decrease in the child's self-confidence and disruption in his social relationships.
• Problems in social interactions: Continuing to suck the finger can cause social isolation of the child, because other children may ridicule or judge him because of this behavior. It can affect his mental image of himself.

4. Injury to the skin and nails

Finger sucking may cause damage to the skin around the child's fingers and nails. These injuries can include:

• Wounds and cuts: Sucking the finger for a long time can cause sores and cracked skin.
• Bacterial infections: If the fingers are exposed to contaminated environments, the possibility of bacterial infections in the area around the nail and finger skin increases.
• Nail damage H: Sucking the finger can damage the nails and cause them to change shape or grow abnormally.

5. Sleep Problems

Children who continue this habit may subconsciously choose finger sucking as a way to soothe themselves while sleeping. In this case, quitting this habit may lead to new challenges in the child's sleep:

• Problems in peaceful sleep: If the child is used to sucking his finger, quitting this behavior can cause problems in falling asleep and resting at night.
• Dependence on the habit: The child may become dependent on this habit and not be able to sleep without it, which can happen if faced with environmental changes or new anxiety. become a problem.

Conclusion

Leaving the habit of sucking fingers in children is a gradual process that requires patience and effort. Identifying the main cause of this behavior and using positive and educational methods can help parents to free their child from this habit. Finally, remember that the most important factor in this process is the support and affection of the parents to the child.

Reliable sources:

1. American Academy of Pediatrics. (2019). "Thumb Sucking." HealthyChildren.org. Retrieved from: https://www.healthychildren.org
2. American Dental Association. (2020). "Thumb Sucking and Your Child's Teeth." ADA.org. Retrieved from: https://www.ada.org
3. McPherson, M., & McNeil, K. (2016). "Managing Thumb Sucking Behavior in Children: A Comprehensive Review." Journal of Pediatric Dentistry, 34(3), 233-240.