Why Does A Child Bite And How To Stop It

Habits can shape a person's personality, and while some habits are good, others can be detrimental. Nail biting in toddlers is one of the worst habits, especially when it comes to children who may not fully grasp the harmful consequences of this behavior. Let's explore why children bite their nails and how to stop kids from biting nails.

4 facts about nail biting

1. Both adults and children engage in nail biting, but this habit is more prevalent in young children, with around 30% of them engaging in it, and even more among adolescents, with a rate of 45%.

2. Half of adolescents aged 12 to 18 bite their nails occasionally.

3. Nail biting in children is common in both boys and girls during childhood, but after the age of 10 it becomes more prevalent in boys.

4. Most individuals manage to overcome nail biting only by the age of 30.

Why do toddlers bite their nails?

Stress is one of the leading causes of nail biting in toddlers. This stress is often due to internal experiences rather than external events. Children may feel overwhelmed by parental expectations, academic pressure, or a lack of support from friends, leading to auto-aggression. This self-directed aggression can manifest as a desire to take revenge on parents or seek attention through negative behavior, such as nail biting.

Other factors contributing to nail biting in toddlers include the need to cope with difficult tasks or make decisions under stress. In some cases, suppressed sexual energy in adolescents may lead to nail biting as a form of sublimation.

Moreover, significant life changes, such as moving to a new place or dealing with parental divorce, can cause stress and trigger nail biting as a coping mechanism.

Also: How to Teach Your Children to Control Their Emotions: Understanding and Managing Feelings

Why Is nail biting bad for children?

Aside from the aesthetic aspect of bitten nails, there are health concerns to consider. Dirt and harmful bacteria can accumulate under the nails and lead to gastrointestinal disorders and poisoning if ingested. Additionally, the social consequences of nail biting can negatively impact a child's self-esteem and relationships with others.

How to stop a child from biting nails: 5 tips for parents

If stress is the root cause of the habit, addressing the underlying stressors is crucial. Alongside this, parents can follow these suggestions and learn how to stop a child from biting nails:

1. Create a calm atmosphere

Maintain a healthy and positive family environment with calm and supportive communication. Ensure that there is no undue pressure related to school performance, and encourage enjoyable leisure activities.

2. Provide substitutes

Offer your child an alternative to nail-biting, such as a hairband or elastic bracelet to fiddle with when the urge to bite arises. Younger children can be given a safe chewable toy or food item, like a carrot or hard apple, to redirect their oral fixation.

3. Engage in honest conversations

For children aged 2-3 years who are capable of understanding, have honest conversations about nail-biting. Ask questions and discuss the habit to bring awareness to the issue.

Also: How to Talk to Toddlers: 7 Simple Ways to Make Them Listen

4. Set clear goals

Create a plan with achievable goals and reward your child's progress. Praise their efforts and build their confidence to stop nail biting in toddlers.

5. Consider physical barriers

As a last resort, use thin gloves or adhesive tape to create a physical barrier between the teeth and nails. Explain the reason behind this action and offer incentives for older children, such as the promise of a manicure when they stop biting their nails.

When dealing with nail biting in children, it is crucial to approach it with understanding and patience. A supportive and thoughtful approach will help children break free from the nail-biting habit more effectively.