Some children have little to no issue with spending some time away from their parents, while other kids become worried at the sheer thought. This is problematic because there are times when your little one can’t be with you: when you go to work, or they attend school. These moments may trigger feelings of separation anxiety, and children find ways to cope with these emotions. Find out how thumb sucking comes into play here and its link to separation anxiety.
What is Separation Anxiety?
Separation anxiety is a condition primarily observed in young children, characterized by intense distress when away from familiar caregivers. This form of anxiety typically emerges between six months and three years of age and is considered a normal developmental phase. However, for some children, the feelings of worry can become overwhelming and persist beyond the expected age range, requiring further attention.
Feelings of anxiety can be scary to a child because they’re still learning to navigate their emotions. Experiencing an increased heart rate, a sense of dread, and racing thoughts can quickly become overwhelming.
Common symptoms of separation anxiety include excessive crying, refusal to be away from caregivers, and fear of abandonment. Children may also exhibit physical symptoms such as headaches or upset stomachs in anticipation of separation.
Thumb Sucking and Separation Anxiety
Knowing that thumb sucking can have a link to separation anxiety can help you end this habit in your child. During infancy, thumb sucking is a natural form of self-soothing, but some children cling to that coping mechanism as they age. In turn, a child with separation anxiety may use thumb sucking as a way to ease their worries when parting from their caregivers.
Often, children who suck their thumb due to separation anxiety may begin doing so when they see their parents getting ready to leave. Likewise, some children may not suck their thumb until they are separated from their caregivers, using it as a way to soothe themselves in unfamiliar situations.
The Problem with Thumb Sucking
Although thumb sucking may provide short-term comfort, it often poses challenges when it turns into a dependency. Thumb sucking can become problematic due to the following reasons:
It’s Addictive
The repetitive nature of this coping mechanism makes it tough for children to quit, increasing the risk of it becoming addictive. Prolonged thumb sucking can lead to reliance to feel at ease; unlearning the behavior and learning a healthier coping mechanism can be a challenging process for some kids.
Oral Health Concerns
Some of the most important thumb sucking results relate to the health concerns that can happen due to the habit. Kids learn through touch – they put their hands on nearly everything – so constantly putting their hands in their mouths increases the risk of exposing themselves to germs and bacteria.
Additionally, children who persistently rely on thumb sucking tend to face significant dental issues later in childhood; this can include overbites, underbites, raised palate, and other forms of malocclusion.
Addressing the Issue
If your child struggles with separation anxiety, talk to them to understand their feelings better. Acknowledge their fears and let them know it’s okay to feel worried when you’re not around but that you’ll always come back.
You can help them end this habit by using positive reinforcement, empathy, and tools such as a thumb-sucking glove. Empower your child with alternative coping mechanisms such as tactile toys or deep breathing techniques.