FINGER SUCKING
Sucking is a reflex that every baby has. It is also a means of relaxation and satisfaction. Thumb sucking is a natural phenomenon in infancy. Almost all babies want to breastfeed when they are hungry, restless and sleepy. However, it is expected that this behavior starts to decrease in the first years of life and disappears at the age of 3-4 years.
If it still continues after 3-4 years of age, it is necessary to investigate the reason for this behavior. The most important thing to do is to direct this behavior to another direction and to resolve the underlying fear, anxiety, apathy, etc. Punishment, anger, prohibition are behaviors that should not be done.
NAIL EATING
Nail biting is a very common behavioral problem in children and adolescents. It is generally seen more in cases of intense anxiety and stress. Sometimes a nail-biting parent or parent in the immediate environment can also be a model. If there is an underlying mental disorder (anxiety disorder, depression, etc.), this should be treated first. It is not right to be angry, to warn, to punish. What needs to be done is to determine when this behavior is seen and to divert the attention of the child in another direction.
