We know how parents are always dealing with a bunch of different things. From the constant efforts to soothe a child to all the concerns about the health of a child, parenting is a cumbersome and energy draining task.
In addition to the above mentioned apprehensions, there is one other apprehension which bothers most of the parents out there and is called the habit of thumsucking.
We know that the following questions are always crossing the minds of parents.
Is there any deficiency in my child which compels him/her to thumb sucking? Or Are there any dangerous thumb sucking effects or consequences? What is the cause of thumb sucking?
These questions can drain the mental and physical health of many parents. So to help you in this regard, we are here with the answers to above mentioned questions.
Also later in the blog we will also be discussing some easy ways which will surely help you to wean a child off thumbsucking. Keep on reading to discover the answers and solutions to your problems.
Table of Contents
Overview
Thumb sucking is an innate process where the children place their thumbs or some other fingers and continuously suck them. The process normally starts at the time of birth and it continues till a specific age.
The main cause behind this thumbsucking is the innate nature to suck on almost everything within reach. Be it fingers of hands or toes, anything within easy access will be selected by the child for sucking action.
Also nature has bestowed new born children with this sucking reflex which is the prime contributor in breastfeeding.
From their very first breastfeed, infants will associate the sucking action with not only as a source of healthy nourishment but also as sensation of pleasure and comfort.
Hence the pleasure and comfort associated with thumb sucking is the major cause of thumb sucking. As soon as the children grow of their age and start to replace breastfeeding with other sources of nutrition they learn to wean the habit off.
However, There are some cases when this habit can continue in the adult phase of life as well.
The possible reason for this action even in advanced stages of life can once again be attributed to the sensation of pleasure and comfort.
So to answer the most frequently asked question by the parents : Is there anything wrong with our child if he/she has developed a habit of thumb sucking?
Certainly Not. There is nothing to worry about.
Time Span Of Thumb Sucking Habit
The normal time span for many children is from the time of birth to an age of 4 months or in some cases it is extended to an age of 4 years.
It should also be noted that if a child is falling into the habit of thumb sucking after age of 4 years then the parents should look for other reasons and causes of thumb sucking which are cajoling the child to fall into this habit once again. Most of the time it is caused due to stress, depressive disorders and childhood trauma.
What Are The Possible Thumb Sucking Effects or Outcomes?
As per records or research, there are no significant and long lasting thumb sucking effects. As it has neurological connections, so most of the children tend to wean the habit off with no major issues.
However there are some issues reported with dental health as a result of chronic thumb sucking habit beyond a specific age.
The description of thumb sucking effect on the bad changes of the dental health is as follows:
- Misaligned teeth. Read more on baby teeth.
- Difficulty in biting
- Palate issues
- Though relatively uncommon, chronic thumb sucking can also lead to delayed speech and other speech problems.
If you observe any of the above mentioned changes in your child then it is advisable to consult the dentist as early medical intervention can prevent grave and detrimental thumb sucking effects.
Ways To Overcome Thumb Sucking Habit
Now coming towards the part that what can parents do in this regard to wean a child off the thumb sucking habits and to prevent the thumb sucking effects.
As said earlier, this habit has more of a neurological association so this will go on its own.
But there are certain things which can be done to guide a child so that the child can let go of this habit.
Opt For A Positive Approach
Dr. Nida Badar who is the best pediatrician in Pakistan says that children always need affirmations that they are special and they need to be taken care of. So it is necessary to opt for a positive approach while teaching them about any health issue.
Instead of scolding them for thumb sucking habits, parents should encourage them when they are not doing it.
Also parents can even give some rewards to children. But the thing that should be noted here is that parents should not force their children.
Cajoling them with some short term goals can prove much better in treating this habit of thumb sucking.
Identify The Cause
As a matter of fact, most of the parents always tend to rush towards scolding their children for any bad habit.
This impromptu attitude should be avoided at all costs. This will exhaust the self confidence of children. If your child has a thumb sucking habit then it is better to look into the main cause of thumb sucking.
If the habit is due to stress then try to eliminate the stress factor from the immediate environment of the child.
Try to pacify them with some assuring and comforting words. Or give your child some stuffed toys or pacifiers so that the child can let go of the thumb sucking habit.
Related: Read more about the signs of a healthy baby.
Engage Your Child In Physical Activity
It is always the best approach to engage your child in some physical activity.
The infants have a feeling of pleasure and composure associated with thumb suscking.
So try to discover other things which can replace the feelings of pleasure. Also there are studies that have hinted that exercises can help to improve the learning capabilities of children.
It can be any sport or some other outdoor physical activity which can be incorporated in the daily routine. Hence it is customary to look for alternatives of thumb sucking.
Side Read: Read these 10 important things your children need for healthy growth and a happy life.
Give Your Child Some Space
Giving a mandatory space and comfort to the children is necessary. Don’t jump at the opportunity of scolding them and resisting their innate habit of thumb sucking.
Try asking some provocative questions that can compel the children to think of the other side of the image. The questions about their favourite cartoon characters can serve the purpose.
Try to ask them if their cartoon characters also suck their thumb? This will compel them to think about it and there are high chances that they will give up their habit of thumb sucking.
The Final Outlook
Thumb sucking is an innate habit and children often stop sucking their thumbs on their own. Thumb sucking effects are not frequently reported. But if you still think that you have left no stone unturned in order to get rid of this habit of your child, then it is advisable to consult the best paediatrician in the area. The doctors will certainly suggest some techniques which can help with this habit. Also to keep yourself updated on more child care issues, visit our website healthwire.
