Nail Biting and Thumb Sucking Habit
The nail biting habit usually does not start before the age of 3-4. (Very rarely, it can be seen as early as 5 months old). Nail biting behavior is seen in 33% of children. This rate continues until early adolescence. The number of children biting their nails during adolescence increases to 40-45%. In other words, towards adolescence, almost half of the children show nail biting behavior. The reason for this is considered to be that young people do not receive approval from the environment. In addition, nail biters are found in most families of nail-biting children. It is claimed that nail biting is an imitation and is learned by imitating adults. Many of those who receive social approval during adolescence sweat this habit.
Nail biting is sometimes associated with biting the toes and catching the toenails with the fingers. Eating and biting toe nails is almost exclusively seen in girls.
REASONS FOR NAIL-BITTING BEHAVIOR
It is necessary to determine the events that cause this behavior rather than the nail-biting behavior.
This The underlying reasons for the behavior are mostly psychological disorders, as in thumb sucking.
The habit is more likely to occur in situations where repressed emotions are involved, and it seems to become ingrained when the child realizes that this is an undesirable behavior and habit.
>Nail biting is considered a sign of insecurity. The main reasons for distress and tension are the implementation of an overly strict 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 making distinctions between children lead to jealousy among children. This indirectly manifests itself as nail biting. As we mentioned before, nail biting is a behavior that can also be acquired through imitation. Anything in the family An individual's nail-biting behavior will naturally attract the child's attention. Additionally, nail biting behavior may develop depending on events. Any event that makes the child uneasy or any situation that creates dissatisfaction in the environment causes him to show this behavior.
TREATMENT AND PRECAUTIONS THAT CAN BE TAKEN
The most effective method is to stop this habit from the mother until the age of 3-4. It is being ignored by the father. If this habit continues later; The reasons for the child's tension and disharmony should be thoroughly investigated and a solution should be found by identifying them.
It is not useful to apply 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 this will excite the child.
Making nail-biting children wear old, light gloves when they go to bed at night. It can be useful as a reminder when the child wants to bite or bite his nails at night. 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 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. However, this 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 precaution, children should be told that biting and biting nails is not a 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, it causes the habit to take root and be used as a tool to annoy and unsettle others.
Read: 0
