The child generally stops sucking his thumb from 18 months, but if he continues, it is important to help him to stop, in particular to protect his teeth.
- After 18 months, it is mainly for comfort or out of habit that a child continues to suck his thumb.
- To help him stop, you can start by offering him something else to handle to occupy his hands.
- From 2 years old, the child is old enough to understand why stopping sucking his thumb is better for his teeth and his way of speaking. If despite everything he continues, a health professional can help him manage his stress differently.
Even if there is no age to stop sucking the thumb, after the age of 18 months, it is mainly to comfort themselves that the child continues. However, the impact on his language and the development of his jaw can be a long-term problem.
Preparing him to wean off his thumb from 18 months
You can start preparing your child to wean off his thumb a little before the age of 2 years by offering him something else to manipulate to occupy his hands such as a comforter, an anti-stress ball, or any other object that he can possibly chew.
Remember that he’s often looking for comfort at this time, so this might be a good time to give him a hug, name the emotion he’s feeling, or even sing him a soothing song.
Stop thumb after 2 years
From the age of 2 he becomes able to understand why stopping sucking his thumb becomes important for his teeth and his way of speaking. You can take him for a consultation with a dentist, and use books on the subject.
Gradually, you can help him change certain habits depending on when he sucks his thumb, such as when he is bored, listening to a story or driving. By naming the emotions he feels and offering him an alternative, you will help him gradually let go.
Very often, sucking the thumb is a reflex that the child cannot make aware of. By agreeing together on a sign you can do when he sucks his thumb, you will help him become aware of some of his habits so that he will stop.
Finally, encourage him each time he succeeds in not sucking his thumb, and possibly offer him a reward when he succeeds in small challenges to encourage him to continue his efforts.
What if he can’t stop sucking his thumb?
If despite all this he cannot stop sucking his thumb, perhaps the help of a professional such as a child psychiatrist or a child psychologist can help him better manage his daily stress and some relaxation techniques. such as meditation for example could be useful in addition.
Find out more: “Thumb!” by Alice Brière-Haquet and Amélie Graux.
