Breaking Common Bad Habits in Kids

It is essential to break common bad habits in kids like nail biting, thumb sucking, nose picking etc; before it is too difficult for them to quit such habits. Read on to find tips for breaking common bad habit sin kids.Whether your kid has the habit of nose picking, or hair twirling, or he or she wants to be attached to a pacifier, or thumb sucking, or may be nail biting, all these bad habits have to be broken. These baffling behaviours are quite normal and often go away automatically, but sometimes you have to take the responsibility to break these habits if they continue for longer than you think. You need to have patience to teach your child good behaviour and help him or her to get rid of the bad habits. Here are ways to deal with the common bad habits in your kids. In this articlePacifier LoverAll Day Thumb-SuckingPicking Nose Every Now and ThenToo Much of Nail BitingAnnoying Hair TwirlingPacifier LoverPacifier is a familiar source of comfort but not when your kid is above age three and still cannot get away from the love of attaching to the pacifier. If you find that your kid is about to get permanently glued to his or her pacifier, then you need to come up with a smart solution. Prick holes on the nipple and surely your kid is going to feel less satisfied while sucking that. The bad habit will ward off slowly.All Day Thumb-SuckingIn the big world, your kid finds the trusty thumb as the perfect security and keeps sucking it anytime, when he or she is feeling stressed or pooped or any other time. If your kid is always busy sucking thumb even after age three, you have to keep his or her hands and mouth busy by various activities, such as working an easy puzzle, blowing bubbles, singing, trying to talk, steering toys, etc. Ask your kid to fold his or her thumb inside the palm and make a fist, whenever he or she gets tempted.Picking Nose Every Now and ThenBored or stressed kids tend to pick their nose or just curious to know what is there in the nostrils. Even allergies make them feel what is up there as a result of the mucus and crusting inside. It may be annoying for you to deal with this habit, but you can tackle this habit by involving your kids with fun hands-on toddler activities, such as puzzles, playing blocks, etc. Talk to your paediatrician if you suspect any allergy.Too Much of Nail BitingThis is not only about the kids, but also adults end up biting their nails when they are stressed, feeling anxious, etc. because they have nothing else to do. Do not pull your child’s fingers from the mouth; instead help him or her distress by playing many games with him or her and spending creative time with him or her by colouring, looking at books, etc. You can also trim your kid’s nails from time to time so that he or she has nothing to bite on. Pay lots of attention that may lead your kid to bite-free days.Annoying Hair TwirlingHair twirling might be comforting for your kid, but is actually a bad habit. Find ways to release energy and relieve stress in your kids. Get up and involve your kid in many activities like throwing balls, jumping ropes, running in the park, etc. Take your kid to story time, listen to soothing music or hum rhymes to him or her. Make sure that you keep your child’s hair shorter as shorter tresses will lead to no hair-twirling.Do not try to insult your kid to get rid of the bad habits. He or she may just be more adamant about the habit. Try to find a substitute for the habits. Establish routines and acknowledge your kid when he or she sticks to it. Reward him or her with small but beautiful gifts such as stickers. Offer cuddles. It can be frustrating to deal with the irksome and worrisome behaviours of your kids at an early age, but gradually, with your patience and control, everything falls into place.Which are the common bad habits in kids? How to break bad habits in kids? Why do kids find it hard to quit bad habits? Discuss here.