Thumb sucking

[Ryleigh]

Here's the deal. ds just turned five last week and has only recently took up to sucking his thumb. I know he is likely feeling insecure with the triplets on the way and moving but how do I get him to stop before it gets out of hand. He has never done this before, not even as a baby?

[darlene]

Hi Ryleigh. All three of our kids have been/are thumbsuckers. The girls have just naturally given it up (around the age of 5-6). Ds still sucks his (almost 7), but only when he goes to bed or has his lovie (little blanket) with him. So far so good with no teeth problems.
Do you find him sucking it at certain times (tired/hungry)? If you have time when you notice him, maybe you could read a book/do a puzzle/play to distract him from sucking it.
Good luck!

:)

[angie r]

I wouldn't worry about it, he will stop eventually. With all you have going on in your household you may start sucking your thumb!! I think I may take it up!

[AnnW]

I'd leave him alone too...he obviously feels the need to comfort himself right now. If you make a big deal out if, he may just do it for spite rather than comfort.

[kat]

I tend to agree that it is a comforting mechanism. Seems like I read years ago that if you interupt that oral stimulation that they need for whatever reason, they will be more like to seek oral stim. (ie. smoking) later in life.