5 effective ways to quit nail biting habits in children

The habit of biting nails in children makes the bare, scratched nails bleed. While sitting close to parents, children can also bite their parents' nails. If children do not stop this habit early, children can become addicted and unconsciously bite their nails until they grow up.

You are not the only one to worry about your child's nail biting habits . This is one of the most common conditions occurring in children. It is estimated that on average, about 50% of children aged 10-18 years old have a habit of biting their nails. Therefore, when your child shows these symptoms, you should not yell, scold, but need to understand the cause to take remedial measures.

Cause children to bite their nails

There are many reasons why children tend to bite their nails, such as when they are stressed, anxious, relaxed or depressed. Here are the common reasons why this habit occurs:

1. Self-comforting

Putting a finger in the mouth is a natural reflex and is quite common in babies to feel comforting. This habit, from time to time, is likely to continue as the child gets older. Therefore, the reason toddlers have the habit of biting their nails is because they want to feel comfortable.

2. Boring

You will find that children often bite their nails when they feel bored or when they do not need to use their hands, such as watching TV or listening to lectures in class ...

3. Genetics

Parents' habits are also capable of influencing their offspring through genetics. If you have had a habit of biting your nails in your childhood, then chances are your child shares the same habit.

4. Imitate other people's habits

Children will tend to mimic nail biting habits from siblings or other family members. This helps children feel "good" and like an adult.

5. Stress and anxiety

Children will have a tendency to bite their nails when they encounter any unpleasant situation in their surroundings that makes them feel anxious or stressed. Whether at home or school, there are some things to do:

Divorced parents

Conflict between parents or family members

Grandparents or a loved one has recently passed away

Moved to a new home

Go to a new school

Being bullied in the classroom

Pressure to compete in class

Get fined or scolded.

Please see more article How Parents Can Help Relieve Anxiety? to take measures to help your child overcome anxiety.

How to prevent children from biting their nails

Although it may be uncomfortable when your child has a habit of biting his nails, you need to refrain from yelling or punishing them. Here are some helpful ways to help children give up the habit of nail biting:

1. Talk to your child

Talk to your child to find out why this habit occurs. If there is a special cause such as boredom or stress, discuss with your child to find ways to overcome.

2. Bacteria and disease

Let your child know there are many germs in the nail and that nail biting will help the germs enter the body, causing many diseases. Therefore, children need to stop this bad habit.

3. Reward your child

The agreement gives you a bonus if your child gets rid of the habit of nail biting. The reward could be a special dinner item or a favorite dessert.

4. Buy a small nail care kit

Buy your child a small nail care kit and compliment his or her nails look neat after each nail cut and care session. At the same time, let your baby know that the nail when he bites doesn't look good. This will give your child more reason to give up the habit of nail biting.

5. Create a bitter taste

You can buy products for sale at pharmacies that work to prevent children from biting their nails. Apply a little on your child's nails, the product has a very bitter taste will remind him to give up the habit of nail biting. For girls who love to pose, you can paint their nails. Children are afraid of losing their beauty so they will not bite their nails anymore.

Once you understand the reason why your child has the habit of nail biting, you will help your child avoid nail biting. Sometimes, just a combination of a few simple methods and loving, caring, persistent, and caring children can help children to give up this bad habit.