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How do I stop toddler from sucking his thumb?
I have a son who is 23 months old and still sucking his thumb. I would like to get him to stop. Can you help?
You should be aware that boys are often teased out of dummies, or sucking of any kind, earlier than girls because it shows they are dependent, but boys, like girls, need comforting. Sucking is a primary reflex that nature provides for both emotional and physical nourishment early in life. Frustrating his need to suck can set him up for nail biting or other nervous habits later.
Your son's thumb sucking does not mean that he is suffering undue insecurity, but denying him the ability to satisfy his sucking needs may also prevent him from developing the capacity to comfort himself. Still, it would not hurt to look at the bigger picture to see if your son is in the midst of any changes or situations that might make him feel insecure.
Think about indulging your son's needs by giving him a dummy to suck or a bottle of juice once or twice a day. You may be surprised at how quickly he will be willing to relinquish his thumb for a substitute. Don’t worry, he will give up the dummy when he is ready. Three to four is a common age for sucking to subside and be replaced with other comforting aids such as favourite toys, dolls or action figures.
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