Nail Biting Habit

Nail biting behavior, which manifests itself in children starting from the age of 3, is very common, but it is a habit that can also manifest itself in adolescence and adulthood. It is necessary to determine the events that cause this behavior rather than the nail biting behavior.

Causes of Nail Biting Behavior

• Anger, anxiety, trust and self-confidence. The problem may arise due to reasons such as exciting or stressful times, overly controlling and oppressive parents, sibling jealousy.

• The habit is mostly related to situations in which repressed emotions are interested, and the child desires it. Once you realize that it is an unacceptable behavior and habit, it becomes ingrained.

• Nail biting is considered a sign of insecurity. The main reasons for distress and tension are the implementation of an overly oppressive and authoritarian education within the family, constant scolding and criticism of the child, jealousy, not receiving enough attention and love.

The life of the parents is also an important factor. . Parental incompatibilities, frequent fights between parents, problems in the family cause behaviors such as nail biting in children. In addition, parents being overly anxious, being overly protective of the child, and parents discriminating between children lead to jealousy among children. This indirectly manifests itself as nail biting. Nail biting is a behavior that can also be acquired through imitation. If any member of the family exhibits nail-biting behavior, it will naturally attract the child's attention.

 In addition, nail-biting behavior may develop depending on events. Any event that makes the child uneasy or any situation that creates dissatisfaction in the environment will cause him/her to show this behavior.

RECOMMENDATIONS

• In Children Nail-biting behavior seen in 3-4 years of age may be for the purpose of attracting attention. For this reason, the child should not be directed to quit this habit by force or pressure. This habit, which can be seen during this period, can be ignored at first because the child is aware that this action will attract the reaction of the parents.

• This may be possible by developing another behavior instead of extinguishing it. For example, nail biting can be prevented by offering the child alternatives (e.g. chewing gum or playing with play dough).

• Parents' observation of the situations in which their children exhibit this behavior will also help them understand the source of the problem. For example, the child at school may exhibit this behavior during exam periods or while studying, or he may exhibit this behavior when he is afraid to talk during social interaction.

• Warnings to the child such as "take your hand away from his mouth" are counterproductive. Although it may cause a reaction, it may make the child uneasy.

• Certain "nail-biting times" can be established for ages 6-7 and above. It may take time for him to comply with the restriction, patience must be shown. When he adapts, spiritual and Verbal rewards should be given. It should be motivated.

• If there is a lack of attention and love, which is one of the situations that trigger nail-biting behavior, it is recommended that the parent spend time with the child in order to eliminate it.

It is not useful to use coercive methods such as scolding, scaring, or punishing the child. Sometimes it can even cause more severe emotional problems.

• Children should be kept away from situations that will cause fear and anxiety. It is undesirable for young children to watch scary television movies or engage in fights, as they will excite the child.

• Making nail-biting children wear old, light gloves when they go to bed at night, as a reminder when the child wants to bite or bite his nails at night. It may be useful. A bitter but harmless liquid can be applied to fingers and nails. This can be both a reminder and an aid to abandonment when combined with the pain when he puts his nail in his mouth.

• Children's attention may be diverted. Keeping your baby's mouth busy with something to chew while watching movies, television or listening to the radio can be an activity that replaces nail biting and biting. Rewarding children occasionally for their achievements can be beneficial in some cases. A. However, it should be used in a limited and appropriate manner. Otherwise the child can use it to get new rewards. The nail can be cut deeply. It may also be beneficial for the child to take care of his or her own nails. Manicure and pedicure supplies can be purchased for the child.

• As a final word and a precaution, children should be told that biting and biting nails is not a very bad habit and that those who want it can easily abandon it. When the child is convinced of this, he will make an effort to give up this habit. Because external factors do not have much effect on the child giving up this habit, in some cases they cause the habit to take root and be used as a tool to anger and unsettle others.

 

In addition, apart from these suggestions, there are various methods that can be applied in accordance with a certain plan in children aged 6 and above;

• Corrective and Preventive Response: After learning the alternative response, you can use it to interrupt the habit or prevent its emergence. Make him/her use it.

• · Linked Behavior: Try to identify the behavior he did just before the obsessive movement and have him use the alternative response to stop the previous linked behavior. For example, if you both notice that he starts shaking his feet before he starts biting his nails, this is related behavior.

• · Relaxation practice: There are many relaxation techniques you can choose from. You can get information from the school counselor.

• · Social Support: This support may come from you or a close friend as encouragement or praise for their efforts.

• · Trial: Guide your child to make the alternative behavior a routine by repeating it every day. Also suggest that he try the alternative response while thinking about situations in which the obsession occurs.

• · Record: record the frequency of occurrence of the habit daily to see how much progress he is making.

 

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