Have you ever wondered what's causing your child to bite their nails?
They do it when they’re nervous, sometimes when they’re feeling anxious or insecure.
They do it for comfort, and soon they do it because it’s a habit they can’t break.
But to you, it’s just a bad, maybe even gross, habit and you want it to stop.
But there are some things about nail biting you may not have known…
Nail-biting is common…especially among kids.
So if yours bites, the first thing you should do is figure out what exactly makes your child start biting his or her nails.
Notice when your child starts biting, and keep a mental note of the surroundings.
Does your child usually do it before seeing relatives? Before the babysitter comes? When they’re about to do some public speaking, or right before a game?
Knowing these details can help you pinpoint the source of the problem so that you can help comfort your child.
Meanwhile, there are other ways to help ease your child’s nail-biting. Like this one that comes from a website called Mother Nature…
Suggest a substitute
Have your child try substituting a sugarless lollipop for biting [his or her] nails…Your child may find it easier to stop nail-biting if [he or she] has a substitute means of oral gratification.Besides a lollipop, you can also offer sugarless gum or a crunchy carrot stick.
I like the carrot stick idea – Bugs Bunny style. Or, better yet, give your child baby carrots! They’re easier (and more fun) to eat, and definitely better than a lollipop.
Does your child bite his or her nails? What was the source of the problem and how did you help ease the habit? Is there a better solution out there?
Nail Biting: Backing Off A Nervous Habit [MotherNature]
