Tips To Get Rid Of Nail Biting In Children

Nail Biting In Children

There are times when you land up in a situation where you end up biting our nails. This could be probably when you were bored, you were anxious or may be frightened. As this habit starts in childhood, you can prevent your child from developing it or you can help him get rid of this habit. Firstly, you need to find out the real cause that makes your child gnaw his nails. Thereafter, with a lot of patience, dedication, and with the help of the following tips, you can help your child to break the habit of nail biting.

Make your child aware of the habit and its repercussions

Nail Biting In Children

Nail biting is one of the habits that children often do unconsciously. Therefore, you need to make them aware of their habit and its effects. Whenever you find him biting his nails, make sure you point it out and alert him. Remind him every time that nail biting is a bad habit and that he needs to get rid of it at the earliest. You are supposed to think of ways that can help you remind your child of the need to get rid of the habit in a positive manner.

Don’t punish

Don't punish

Nail biting like other nervous habits is unconscious most of the times, which means your child doesn’t even realize that he is biting his nails. Therefore, punishing or nagging is no solution.

Set limits

The nail biting habit of your child really bothers you but he seems to be very ignorant of it. Instead of punishing, you should set limits. For instance, you should remind him of rules such as no nail biting while studying, while at the dinner table and more. This way, he will be constantly reminded of the importance of getting rid of this annoying habit.

Positive reinforcement

Positive reinforcement

When it comes to breaking bad habits and encouraging the good ones, positive reinforcement plays a major role. Whenever you find your child reminding him of stopping his nail biting habit, you should praise his intention and even reward him.

Indulge him in alternative activities

If your child tends to bite his nails when bored, worried, or anxious, you should encourage him to get indulged in other activities. For instance, if he tends to bite his nails while watching a movie, you give him a snack bowl, so that he gets busy eating snacks and forgets to bite his nails.

Summary

Nail biting is an annoying habit that one tends to pick up in childhood. The habit would not go away overnight but with time and a lot of patience.

Today's Top Articles:

Scroll to Top