Thumb sucking is a common habit seen in young children, but this doesn’t mean it’s healthy. Regular thumb or finger sucking can alter the shape of a child’s jaw, making it harder for them to eat or speak properly, which can also lead to social challenges. To combat this, some parents use specially-made nail polish deterrents; this polish makes the finger taste bitter anytime the child tries to suck it. While this can seem like an ideal option, it isn’t always safe. Read on to learn the dangers of deterrent nail polish as a finger sucking fix.
Chemical Exposure
Although this type of polish is different than cosmetic options, it’s still a chemical that your child puts into their mouth every time they suck their thumb. Often, deterrents include chemicals that can weaken the nails, making them more likely to split or break, which can be painful. The chemicals used in this type of polish can also irritate the skin, leaving your child upset and frustrated.
Allergic Reactions
Another significant danger of using deterrent nail polish to stop finger sucking is that it could trigger an allergic reaction, especially if your child has allergies or sensitive skin. Generally, reactions manifest as redness, itchiness, or swelling around the fingers or nails. Not only is an allergic response uncomfortable, but it can also scare your child, making them less likely to willingly wear the polish.
Parent Tip
If you try this method, always consult your child’s doctor first to ensure they are not allergic to any of the ingredients in the polish.
Psychological Effects
Deterrent nail polish can have unintended psychological effects on children. Its use aims to stop a habit but achieves this through creating discomfort or a negative experience. This approach could lead to stress, confusion, or frustration in children as they may not understand why their habitual behavior is suddenly unpleasant.
Using deterrent nail polish falls more in line with negative reinforcement tactics, which children don’t fully understand. Imagine if your favorite comfort food went from sweet and pleasurable to bitter without warning. When you put foul-tasting nail polish on your child, turning a coping mechanism they rely on into something negative.
Parent Tip
Try to rely on positive reinforcement to end thumb sucking. This means praising your child every time they fight the urge to suck their finger; using incentives fosters a safe environment for your child to learn in.
Adaptation
While deterrent nail polish can work for the short term, some kids who are addicted to thumb sucking will continue doing so despite the bitter taste. Over time, they get used to the bitter taste, and it becomes less effective. This adaptation not only weakens the strategy’s impact but also complicates efforts to effectively address the behavior. Parents should be aware of the temporary nature of this solution and consider alternative methods.
What To Do Instead
Knowing how to break a finger sucker comes down to using the proper methods. TGuard’s AeroFinger slides over your child’s hand and has slits in it to stop the suction that drives finger sucking. Exploring safer, positive reinforcement strategies ensures a healthier and more effective way to address your child’s thumb-sucking habit without unnecessary risks.
