If your child's fingernails are chewed down and her fingertips look raw, you're in good company. Between 30 and 60 children and teenagers chew on at least one fingernail and some children even chew their toenails, according to KidsHealth, part of the Nemours Foundation. Your success in taming your child's nail biting will depend on the severity of the habit and your commitment to curbing it. For best results, you should figure out what is causing your child to bite her nails in the first place.
Common Causes
Nail biting is one of many "nervous habits" such as nose picking, hair twisting and thumb sucking, according to BabyCenter.com. Your child might start biting his nails out of curiosity or boredom, but he most likely bites his nails as a form of comfort and stress relief, says BabyCenter.com. You might find that he is more likely to bites his nails when he is anxious about school or when he's soothing himself prior to sleep.
Other Causes
If you or your spouse bite your nails, your child may have started biting her nails due to a familial or genetic link, according to KidsHealth. If your child knows that you or other adults will react negatively to her nail biting, she may consciously bite her nails at times when she wants to get some attention or when she's trying to manipulate you.
What to Do
Start by commenting on your child's nail biting to increase his awareness of the problem, but avoid scolding or criticizing him, lest you make the problem worse, says KidsHealth. When you notice him biting his nails, suggest an alternative activity such as playing with play dough or wiggling his fingers around.
Promote self-restraint with rewards. KidsHealth recommends allowing a girl to wear nail polish if she lets her nails grow out or giving a boy a sticker or small toy when you notice an improvement. Be consistent in rewarding positive habits or else the nail biting will be less likely to disappear.
Risks
Some nail biting likely won't do your child any harm, but too much nail biting could cause ingrown nails, infected nails and dental problems, says KidsHealth. Your child's nail biting may also transcend the "habit" status if it interferes with her relationships or her ability to function in daily life.
When to Get Help
Some children bite their nails due to underlying problems such as excessive anxiety, according to BabyCenter.com. Call your child's doctor if your child's nail biting has led to bloody or sore fingertips or if his nail biting is accompanied by other behaviors such as skin picking, hair or eyelash pulling and sleep disruptions.
Member Comments