Nail biting behavior is a behavioral problem. Although it is generally not expected to be seen before the age of 3-4, there are exceptional cases. It has been found that it is more common in girls. This can be accompanied by many different problems. While some children may express the difficulties they experience in their daily lives as bedwetting, some as irritability, some as aggression disorders, some may reveal them as nail-biting behavior.
The oral period between the ages of 0-2 is when children put objects into their mouths, life and the world they come from. There is no problem since they are trying to get to know it by taking it. If this behavior does not decrease afterwards and becomes specific as nail biting, we can call this problem a nail biting problem. We can also call this condition an impulse control disorder.
We should focus on the underlying causes of nail biting behavior. Tension at home, physical or emotional pressure on the child, problems at school, if he is under excessive pressure, if he is in school and has anxiety about failure, problems with his friends, scolding at home, threats, an uneasy environment and many other reasons may cause the child to relieve his distress by biting his nails.
Of course, the primary information obtained from those who apply to us on this issue is whether there is nail-biting behavior at home or in people the child sees frequently. This situation, which can also be achieved through imitation, can be overcome at such times by extinguishing this behavior in the whole family and again with play therapy with the child.
It should be known that nail biting in children is caused by anxiety and worry, and as a parent, we need to know what they are going through in their lives. At the same time, with the use of tablets and phones falling into the hands of children today, children can now watch scary videos from sites that even their families do not know about. Although we recommend that it should not be given to children aged 3-4 years, if it is given, it should not exceed 20 minutes, the child should be prevented from becoming addicted to it and the things he watches should be controlled by the parents. For this reason, you should remember that there must be hard boundaries at home. In this problem, as in every problem, families should spend quality time with their children. The child should be supported through his/her troubles.
Encourage the children's attention and love. You should not irritate. Remember that they need you. You should try to be there for him at every point he needs you.
Looking back at what happened in the past, no matter how long ago the nail biting problem started, will show you in which situation he first resorted to it. This could be starting school, moving house, changing school or teacher, or even having a friend go somewhere else. Don't underestimate their problems, remember they are just children and can be affected by even the things you deem small. You shouldn't be surprised by this.
If your child is biting his nails and is around the age of 4, the best first step is to divert his attention without scaring him and ignore this behavior. You should not forget that distancing techniques such as scolding, shouting, applying bitter nail polish to your hand, and criticizing are very wrong. As a parent, you should know that this is caused by a problem and keep track of what problems there are in the child's life. By focusing on what happened before each nail biting without letting him know, you can observe in which situations he resorts to this. If this behavior still continues and frequently occurs, you should seek expert support.
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