One of a parent’s many responsibilities is to help shape their child’s behavior in order to guide their little one through life. Often, parents use scolding as a disciplinary measure when their child does something that is harmful or inappropriate. However, scolding may not be the best approach when it comes to the habit of thumb-sucking. Find out why you shouldn’t scold your child for thumb-sucking and what you can do instead.
Creates Shame
Scolding a child for thumb-sucking can induce feelings of guilt and embarrassment. When a child feels ashamed, they may internalize these emotions, believing something is wrong with them. This can lead to a negative self-image and decreased self-esteem.
Children who constantly experience shame may develop a fear of expressing themselves. Over time, this can create a sense of isolation, as children may withdraw from social interactions, fearing judgment from others. This isolation can further impact their emotional growth, making it harder for them to develop social skills.
Causes Anxiety
Being scolded for thumb-sucking can create anxiety in children. Anxiety can manifest in various ways, such as nervousness, restlessness, or difficulty concentrating, which can impact a child’s daily life.
For example, children suffering from anxiety may struggle to perform well in school due to their inability to focus. This can then lead to further negative reinforcement from teachers or parents, creating a cyclical pattern of anxiety and poor academic performance.
Anxiety can also affect a child’s physical health, with symptoms such as headaches, stomachaches, and sleep disturbances. These physical manifestations of anxiety can further impact a child’s quality of life and overall happiness.
May Worsen the Habit
Another reason you shouldn’t scold your child for thumb-sucking is because it may worsen the habit. You child may suck their thumb in secret to avoid the shame and anxiety associated with a scolding. As a result, you may not know that they are still engaging in the habit and may be unable to provide the necessary support to help them stop.
Take a Positive Approach Instead
Some parents assume that reprimanding a child will stop unwanted behaviors, and while this may be true in some cases, that doesn’t mean it’s always the best course of action. Regardless of age, having someone yell at you or scold you can feel uncomfortable. Our minds are still developing when we’re young, and we may not understand why our parents are so upset with us.
Rather than scold your child, take a positive approach to end thumb-sucking. Depending on their age, you could discuss the consequences of thumb sucking, such as germs. You may also praise your child when they choose a healthier method of self-soothing, such as cuddling a stuffed animal.
One of the best ways to stop thumb sucking is with the AeroThumb. This comfortable device slides over your child’s hand to deter thumb-sucking by eliminating the sensation of suction. Help your child end this behavior with positive methods for lasting results that help build confidence and self-esteem.