When to Leave Her Alone

Pune-based paediatrician Dr. Jayant Deodhar believes that if your little one is under three years and sucks her thumb, it is best to IGNORE it.

According to him, "This is just a natural process called the mouthing reflex, so don't tamper with it."

So, the real problem begins if your little one continues this habit even after the age of three.

Attack Mode

However, remember that you don't want to force your little one out of the habit, but instead, it is best to encourage her to kick it herself.

Here's how you can do it: Create an environment which will help her to drop this habit.

For example, you can be her source of distraction. If you see that she is ready to suck her thumb, you can distract her attention by asking her to do something that involves both her hands.

Peer Pressure

3-D graphic animation artist Benny Pammi remembers his thumb sucking habit when he was younger. "I continued till I was about 10 years old. My parents were really worried and tried everything from neem to the rod. But what really got me off the habit was the teasing from my classmates and friends. The embarrassment made me eventually stop."

Reverse Psychology?

This could be a good way to "trick" your child into getting rid of his habit. Validate his thumb sucking.

Remember, at this age, if you say "yes", chances are he will say "no." Also, you could ask to suck all his fingers equally, since each finger should get "its share".

Chances are he will get tired of sucking his fingers and stop completely. However, make sure you don't overdo it. He may believe you after all!

Influence Works

Another aspect about peers is that your little one could also stop the habit by imitating someone she respects and looks up to.

For example, if she has a friend or relative she looks up to, you can invite them to spend more time with your child. You could even try to ask them to speak to her about stopping it.

Dental Dilemma

Slip on "braces" can help your little one get rid of her thumb sucking habit. For details you can refer to, 'Is Your Child a Thumb Sucker?'

Old School Remedies

There are mixed reactions to these tips. Some of these are highly frowned upon by doctors, while some mothers say they are worth a try.

• Dip the thumb in ink.
• Rub something bitter like neem on his fingers.
• Dip the thumb in oil.
• Tie the thumb to the index finger.