Why do your kids gnaw on their fingernails? There are many reasons, but nail-biting is most often an unintended habit. Kids may chew nails out of boredom or curiosity. They also may do it to self-soothe, which is why thumb-sucking is a natural reflex for an infant. By feeling the soothing effect of the action, the child may be more prone to nail-biting.
Why Do Children Chew Their Nails?
It is estimated that 30% and 60% of children habitually chew nails and toenails. While the cause of this habit is unknown, it is believed that it may arise from physical restlessness or anxiety. Children may also chew nails as a self-soothing behavior. If your child is experiencing frequent nail-biting episodes, you should discuss this habit with your child.
First, address the underlying problem of the habit. Then, talk to your child about it, and help them develop a healthy alternative to nail-biting. For example, distracting them with fidgets and stress-relief techniques is an effective way to curb their habit. Or, give them a signal to stop, such as tapping their arms or giving the nod. Eventually, they will stop chewing nails.
Another method of stopping a child from chewing nails is redirecting their attention. First, ensure they know they are loved irrespective of their appearance. A code word, such as “I love you,” will reinforce this message. Another method to interrupt the habit is to use a sticker chart. This way, they will be able to see that they are earning a sticker when they avoid nail-bitingly. This method will help them break the habit, but make sure you use it with the child’s consent.
Here are 7 Ways to Get Rid of This Habit –
1.) Make Children Aware of This Bad Habit
As parents, we must ensure that our children know this terrible habit and act fast to prevent it. Children who engage in inappropriate eating may appear harmless at first, but they are far from it! Explain to them the appropriate time to eat and refrain from doing so. If you see your child doing this, stop it and talk to them about it. This way, they will understand what is acceptable and what is not.
Once you identify the trigger, try finding fun and satisfying alternatives for your child. For example, if your child is thumb-sucking, hold them when they are tired. If your child is biting, remind them not to bite. Don’t nag, but use subtle cues to remind them not to bite. Once you’ve made them aware of a bad habit, they won’t be able to ignore it again.
2.) Keep Children’s Nails Short
A child’s tendency to chew nails is purely cosmetic, often when bored or under-stimulated. This unnerving habit is generally harmless but can damage the nail and surrounding skin. The skin around the nail can become red, painful, and filled with discharge. Therefore, parents should keep children’s nails short to curb the urge to bite.
Another effective way to stop the habit is to reward the child for not biting their nails. For example, if your child stops chewing nails after earning five stickers, you could take them to the park, where they will get a free manicure. By rewarding good behavior, your child will stop biting their nails altogether. However, it may take time for the habit to be eliminated.
3.) Calm Down the Child’s Stress
Identify the causes of nail-biting. Stress and anxiety are two major causes. Deep breathing exercises will help your child relax and get rid of the habit. You can do them anywhere. You can also offer a worry stone or something else as a reward if your child stops chewing nails. When your child starts chewing their nails, watch them and point out the bad behavior. Likewise, avoid shaming or ridiculing them.
Nail biting is a sign of excessive anxiety, which may not be easy to recognize. Nail biting is painful and may cause bleeding of the fingertips. Some kids also chew nails in response to specific situations or to pass the time. In order to prevent nail-bitingly, you must find the triggers and causes of this habit. You can also try removing the underlying cause of nail-biting.
4.) Find Some Other Options
If you can’t seem to break the habit of chewing nails, you’re not alone. Unfortunately, you’re not alone in your situation – more than half of people experience the same problem. In addition, those who bite their nails are more likely to experience other issues associated with the condition. However, you don’t need to suffer in silence. There are many ways to stop chewing your nails and reclaim your self-esteem.
A study in the year 2020 showed that consistent people were more likely to break the habit than those who used willpower alone. For example, if you promise yourself a treat each time you stop chewing your nails, you’re more likely to stick to it. If you find it difficult to break the habit, try using another activity that will reward you instead. It’s important to realize that nail biting is an unhealthy habit and can negatively affect your oral health.
You can stop chewing nails by learning to recognize and avoid the triggers. However, it’s essential to realize that nail-biting may indicate an underlying problem, like a psychological disorder or a phobia. See a therapist if you don’t think you can change your behavior. CBT (cognitive behavioral therapy) may be the right choice if you’ve tried other methods and failed.
5.) Reward Your Child
One of the best ways to break a child’s habit of chewing nails is to reward them when they stop doing so. By rewarding them for not chewing their nails, you can build their self-control and encourage them to avoid the habit. You can start by offering a small prize or treat if your child grows their nails without chewing them. Eventually, you can move up to a bigger prize or visit the zoo.
Another way to encourage your child to stop chewing nails is to apply bitter-coating nail polish to their hands. Although this might seem like an extreme measure, it is effective. You can give them a sticker that tastes awful so that they will avoid this behavior in the future. If your child continues to bite their nails, you should try putting bitter-coating polish on their hands every few days. The paint will be sour and unpleasant, but it will eventually wear off.
6.) Distract The Children
There are many ways to distract your children from biting their nails. You may have heard that using code words and secret signs can help. You may share the secret signs with a child’s friends or coach. Other ways to distract your child from biting their nails include bandages or bitter nail polish. If the problem continues, teach the child that biting their nails is unacceptable. If the problem persists, you can also try rewarding your child for refraining from sucking their thumb.
Alternatively, you can distract your child by providing a new toy, such as a rattle or a stress ball. Worry stones are another fun way to distract your child from biting their nails. You may also consider buying silly putty to distract your child from their habit. If you can’t find toys, try buying them stress balls. They might be the perfect distraction.
7.) Tell The School Teacher
One way to discourage your child from biting their nails is by creating a reward system. Create a chart for your child with stickers for each day they do not bite their nails. You can also offer a trip to the park for every five stickers they get. Lastly, you can give them a treat like a manicure. It will discourage them from continuing this habit.
You may be able to use cash rewards to encourage your child to stop biting their nails. For example, a “No Nail Biting Fund” could be created where you make a deposit every day your child does not bite their nails. Other alternatives for your child to chew on include carrots, celery sticks, or non-sugary gum. You can also use non-toxic nail polish with a bitter taste.
Discouraging your child from biting their nails is the best way to break the habit. Children usually outgrow it by the time they are in school. However, you can still try to stop it before your child reaches that age. It will take time for your child to stop biting their nails, so patience is crucial. You can also try letting their nursery know about your nail-biting tactics, so they can continue them when you are not around.
