Thumb sucking is a common scenario in children, particularly those who may have problems like autism. This behavior is caused by some natural rooting and sucking reflexes that children have and can start even before they are born. This behavior makes children feel secure; it also helps children to deal with stress, while it can soothe others to sleep (Wolff, 2007) . Most children experience thumb sucking, although most stop this behavior when they are about 6 or 7 months (Mayo Clinic, 2018) . However, in some children, this behavior may persist to an age of around 2-4 years. Persistence of this problem may affect the alignment of teeth in children. Parents can use the plan below to help their children overcome this problem;
Using positive reinforcement. Thumb sucking is a behavioral problem, and positive reinforcement can be used to motivate the child to stop. Parents can use rewards, such as gifts, walks in the park to help their children avoid this behavior. This involves setting goals for the child and rewards for them. For example, the parent can promise their children that if they avoid thumb-sucking for three hours before bed, they will get an extra bedtime story.
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Dealing with triggers. Other underlying factors, like stress, often cause thumb sucking. Parents should provide comfort to their children by providing reassurance and hugging them (Khayami, Bennani, & Farella, 2013) . When a parent notices this behavior, they can provide their children with objects like toys to squeeze. This provides a distraction to children hence avoiding thumb-sucking.
Offering reminders. Some children suck their thumbs without thought and not as a way to seek attention or deal with stress. Parents should identify this and offer gentle reminders to them to stop. Parents should, however, avoid ridiculing or scolding their children.
Covering the thumb. This is often an extreme measure if the problem persists. The thumbs of the child are covered using a bandage or plastic, which makes it hard for them to suck the thumb (Children MD, 2016) . This should be the last option if all other interventions fail.
Thumb sucking is a major problem for many children. It is often caused by other factors, like stress. Parents should use some interventions, such as using positive reinforcement, dealing with triggers, and reminding their children to stop the behavior. Parents should avoid pressuring their children to stop the behavior as pressure may delay this process.
References
Children MD . (2016, January 18). Retrieved from Behavior and Development Website: https://childrensmd.org/browse-by-age-group/toddler-pre-school/thumb-sucking-and-finger-sucking-11-ways-to-break-the-habit-without-breaking-your-budget/
Khayami, S., Bennani, F., & Farella, M. (2013). Fingers in mouths: from cause to management. The New Zealand Dental Journal , 49-50. Retrieved from https://www.researchgate.net/publication/239943508_Fingers_in_mouths_from_cause_to_management
Mayo Clinic . (2018, December 11). Retrieved from Children's Health Website: https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/childrens-health/in-depth/thumb-sucking/art-20047038
Wolff, C. M. (2007). Thumb sucking and pacifier use. The Journal of the American Dental Association , 1176. Retrieved from 10.14219/jada.archive.2007.0331
