Ishita started sucking her right thumb when she was a few months old. We did not actively try to discourage it cos it was cute to see her slowly guide her hand to her face and then find this innovative use for her thumb. Soon, she discovered she had two thumbs which she could use interchangeably depending on her position / which side she was lying on / or when her parents removed a thumb which she was putting to good use and now was quite addicted to.
That was four and a half years back and the habit continues. Not sure when she will grow out of it. Dear Ishita, if and when you find this post and if you want to prevent your offspring from taking after you, the best preventive remedy is the humble pacifier! We did not use it on you as we felt it was a cruel way to shut little kids up - as if putting scotch tape on their mouths. But we learnt our lesson quickly and used it with great effect on your little brother who has avoided your habit and has a perfect set of even teeth and a disarming smile.
Think about the benefits of preventing thumb sucking in your child:
1. Less exposure to all the germs that you pick up around you and ingest while you go about your business. And all the medicines, doctors' visits, missed school days and parents having to take leave that accompany an infection.
2. Do away with smelly hands and mouth - eeww!
3. Avoid protruding and damaged teeth and the costly outlay to a dentist for braces in the future.
How totally avoidable - all these difficulties and costs - if only...
Parents, take my word for it, it pays to prevent thumb sucking in your children at the expense of some minor irritation for your little one. You will thank yourself in the times to come.
That was four and a half years back and the habit continues. Not sure when she will grow out of it. Dear Ishita, if and when you find this post and if you want to prevent your offspring from taking after you, the best preventive remedy is the humble pacifier! We did not use it on you as we felt it was a cruel way to shut little kids up - as if putting scotch tape on their mouths. But we learnt our lesson quickly and used it with great effect on your little brother who has avoided your habit and has a perfect set of even teeth and a disarming smile.
Think about the benefits of preventing thumb sucking in your child:
1. Less exposure to all the germs that you pick up around you and ingest while you go about your business. And all the medicines, doctors' visits, missed school days and parents having to take leave that accompany an infection.
2. Do away with smelly hands and mouth - eeww!
3. Avoid protruding and damaged teeth and the costly outlay to a dentist for braces in the future.
How totally avoidable - all these difficulties and costs - if only...
Parents, take my word for it, it pays to prevent thumb sucking in your children at the expense of some minor irritation for your little one. You will thank yourself in the times to come.
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