Start with a little teaching, explaining that it is not healthy for him, that his hands carry dirt and germs and that it is not a good idea to put them in his mouth. Then try to talk to him and find out if he is stressed, if there are things that are bothering or distressing him. If this is not enough or if he bites his fingernails until they bleed, the help of a psychotherapist may be useful.
Before getting there, a few gestures and attitudes can help:
– Cut him the nails regularly in order to reduce the temptation to bite them.
-Try the bitter varnish, without forcing it in order to avoid it being experienced as a punishment.
-Find tips to occupy his hands as often as possible: plasticine, construction games, painting, sculpture, cooking, collage …
-Avoid harassing him constantly and point out his mania in public at the risk of feeling humiliated and even more stressed.
– Congratulate him when he makes the effort to be busy and not to bite his nails.
Read also:
Biting your nails would cause health problems
4 tips to stop biting your nails
What your nails say about your health
