Question
A five-year-old child has had the habit of eating their fingers since infancy and has been unable to change it. How can parents help her break this habit?
Answer
Eating fingers is a common behavior among children, often caused by a dependence on breast milk during infancy. If a child still has this habit at the age of four, it may be a sign of physical or psychological issues. Physical issues might include a deficiency in trace elements such as zinc or iron. Psychological issues could stem from stress and anxiety, such as family pressure. First, the child should undergo a trace element test, and if deficiencies are found, they should be supplemented promptly. If the issue is psychological, communication with the child is necessary to alleviate stress. To help the child break the habit of eating their fingers, avoid harsh measures and instead use encouraging methods. Try to redirect the child’s attention when they eat their fingers, using more interesting objects to attract them and thereby stopping the habit. In the long run, this bad habit will gradually disappear. At the same time, educate the child about the unhygienic nature of eating fingers and how it may lead to unsightly scars. If the child follows advice, praise them promptly and provide small rewards. This is not something that happens overnight and requires patience and effort.