Newborn babies learn to suck their thumbs in the womb and one of the strongest reflexes they have from birth is sucking. The mouth area is a source of pleasure for the baby. Thumb sucking allows babies to calm themselves down and enjoy themselves. It is possible to encounter this behavior in almost all babies. It can be accepted that this behavior arises from the need to know and explore the environment. Meanwhile, this activity is enjoyable for the baby and continues as a source of pleasure after that.
Finger sucking can be considered natural in terms of development between the ages of 0-4. Approximately half of children between 12-18 months show thumb sucking behavior. Children usually stop thumb sucking between the ages of 2-4.
If thumb sucking continues after the age of 5, 'There are also opinions about the inadequacy of the mother-child relationship and the lack of confidence in the child'. If it causes a problem in the thumb, tooth and palate structure, intervention may be required. Behaviors such as punishment, stubbornness, threats and pressure should be avoided. might be to give him some activities that he would be interested in using his hands. To draw attention to the child by constantly talking about this behavior in the family, to constantly criticize the child for a solution, are among the wrong parents' behaviors. The child who sucks his thumb at school age continues this behavior despite the teacher's warning, the criticism of his parents, and even the mockery of his friends. In this case, providing the child with positive suggestions and explanations psychologically may cause the problem to disappear.
Cognitive behavior therapy, play therapy, support treatments for parents can be applied.
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