Kids often pick up certain qualities they see in neighbours, friends or maybe even a person they come across on the way. It later on becomes a habit which is hard to rectify. Thumb sucking, picking of the nose, knee shaking, screaming without any reason are a few common habits found in kids. As a parent it might become frustrating and annoying to see one’s child develop something of this sort.
Children might not know what’s right or wrong due to their age and innocence. Reprimanding and scolding them in a manner which makes them feel guilty may just make the situation worse. There might be several reasons why children continue with these habits. Nervousness, discomfort, lack of entertainment, boredom are few of the reasons why children resort to such activities.
Here are a few tips to help tackle bad habits in kids.
Handling boredom
Habits such as thumb sucking or chewing of the lips are usually a sign of boredom which may even cause infections and discomfort around the mouth or skin. Habits such as thumb sucking are so common amongst toddlers that one can only do something about it after crossing a certain age say 4 years. You could distract your child by involving her in some creative activity which makes her to use both her hands or play a game that requires more thought.
As for chewing the lip, the best way to stop it is to apply a balm continuously throughout the day. This will discourage your child to chew the skin and also moisten the chapped area or skin.
Appreciate good behaviour
Make your child feel appreciated and praise him or reward him well. By reward you needn’t give him materialistic things like chocolates, toys or games. Probably increasing his playtime, inviting his best pals over or playing his favourite game with him will make him feel happy and appreciated.
Don’t make them feel rejected
When kids begin to continue habits which might make you feel disgusted, do not react by using words like such as ‘ that’s disgusting’ or ‘eeeyuck’ . They might think that you are rejecting or objecting to their behaviour outright which might even urge them to do it more.
As for chewing the lip, the best way to stop it is to apply a balm continuously throughout the day. This will discourage your child to chew the skin and also moisten the chapped area or skin.
Keep track of your own behaviour
Last but not the least always keep track of your own behaviour. More often than not, kids might be actually replicating parents’ behaviour. If you are stressed or emotionally down, your child will be able to pick it up and react accordingly. Children might shout back at you if the same is done to them. This is very natural and hence as a parent it is your duty to mind your own behaviour and lead by example.
