It is estimated that approximately 30 to 60 percent of children and teens bite their nails, according to the Kids Health website from the Nemours Foundation. Nail biting is a habit that often develops from boredom or anxiety. As the child grows older, nail biting may be her way to relieve tension and handle stressful situations. Keep in mind that since the habit took time to form, it is also likely to take some time to break.
Step 1
Participate in relaxing activities. If stress is causing the nail biting, help him relieve stress by taking deep breathes or visualizing himself somewhere pleasant, like a beach.
Step 2
Set up a rewards system. Monitor whether or not the child bites her nails each day. Make a mark on a rewards chart for each day she is successful. If she reaches a set number of days without biting her nails, give a reward of her choosing. Some examples include a new video game, a night at the movies or sleepover with friends.
Step 3
Praise him. If he stops biting his nails for a period of time, tell him how great he is doing at breaking the habit and how wonderful his nails look.
Step 4
Take her for a manicure. If she picks out her nail color and sees how great her nails look, she may feel less inclined to bite them.
Step 5
Suggest ways to distract the child when he feels the urge to bite his nails. Tell him to use his hands in some way, such as drawing or playing an instrument to keep from biting.
Step 6
Stop biting your own nails. According to Kids Health website, children of nail biters are more likely to pick up the habit.
Things You'll Need
- Reward chart
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