Question
Why do children have the habit of biting their nails? Why is the skin around the nail edges frequently worn down?
Answer
Sucking and nail-biting are instinctive behaviors in children that can provide them with comfort and a sense of security. Around the age of two, children are in a transition phase where the appearance and disappearance of the sucking action alternate, which may disappear after a period of time. However, when children feel stressed or anxious about environmental changes, this behavior may reappear as a way to alleviate internal stress and self-soothe. Parents should satisfy their children’s psychological needs through companionship games, skin contact, and psychological communication, and guide them to participate in other activities to distract their attention, thereby helping them overcome the habit of nail-biting. In necessary cases, consider using bitter liquids such as coptis water or chili water, or have the child wear gloves to prevent this behavior.