Why do children bite their nails ?

Children may bite their nails for a number of reasons. Some of the reasons  include the following :

• boredom
• stress relief
• curiosity
• imitating others
• habit

It is one of the most common childhood habits. It is likely your child will stop this habit on her  own . However if it continues longer, there are ways to help the child quit.

How to help your child quit nail biting ?

Address the underlying cause : It is important to find out what is causing your child to bite her nails and takes steps to deal with the problem.

Do not nag or punish : Nail biting like other nervous habits tend to be unconscious.  In this case punishing or nagging wont help.  If your child is not overly stressed or hurting, the best thing you can do is to trim her  nails  and remind her  to wash her  hands. Punishing her  can add to her  stress.

Talk about breaking habits : Discuss how to break nervous habits with your child. Ask  your child how involved she wants you to help her  quit. Sometime getting too involved will  make it worse.

Help her  quit : Your child may be ready to stop especially if she is being teased by friends. First of all talk about teasing and tell her to  let you know how  she  feels. Reassure her  that you love her  no matter what and then find possible solutions.

Help her  become aware of the habit : You can help your child become more aware when she bites her  nails. You can create secret codes or gestures as a reminder.

Get an alternative : You can look for other ways to keep your child’s mind off nail biting. You can try relaxation  exercises such as deep breathing. You can also find other ways for your child to relieve stress. Arts and craft and playing a musical  instrument are ways of keeping your child busy.

If it doesnt work, keep trying other ways to resolve the problem. Encourage your child that there are other techniques to try if the first doesnt work.

NOTE

In rare cases, nail biting could be  a sign of excessive anxiety. Let your doctor know if it causes fingertips to be sore or bloody. You should also let your doctor know if your child is not sleeping well and engaged in other habits such pulling out hair or eye lashes.

 
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