Nail biting is a behavior children resort to when they are bored, excited, stressed or need to be comforted. Once nail biting begins, it can be a difficult habit to stop, because a child may not always be aware he is biting his nails. As with most bad habits, positive reinforcement is the best way to stop your child from biting her nails.
Step 1
Ask your child to stop biting his nails. Offer reasons why nail biting can be a problem, such as potential cuticle infections, germs under the nails etc. Do not get into a power struggle with your child or blame or belittle your child.
Step 2
Work with your child to determine what triggers her to bite her nails.
Step 3
Help your child learn other ways to cope with situations that lead to nail biting. Children can learn ways to manage stress.
Step 4
Provide opportunities for distraction, including activities or games that involve the hands. Consider providing your child with a stress ball.
Step 5
Give positive reinforcement. Regularly observe your child and when you see him doing things with his hands that do not involve nail biting, offer praise and encouragement. Rewards that use stickers are sometimes helpful. Nail polish often motivates young girls.
Step 6
Consider using an unpleasant tasting liquid to paint the nail that is bitten most often.
Step 7
Consider covering the affected finger or hand with mittens, a finger splint, a sticker or an adhesive bandage.
Step 8
Groom your child regularly. Trim and smooth rough nails and any torn cuticles. Follow the manicure with hand lotion.
Tips and Warnings
- Most children learn to stop biting their nails once they reach age 3 or 4. Children younger than 3 may not have the self-awareness or self-control to stop a bad habit. Habits can be hard to break, even when you are an adult. Treat your child's habit and struggle with respect, support, patience and encouragement.
- Nail biting can be a sign of sign of serious issues in a child's life, especially if it develops suddenly. If you suspect stress or illness, address that issue first before trying to stop the nail biting. Nail biting can cause cuticle infections and damage to the nail itself. Look at your child's nails for signs of problems and ask your pediatrician to check her nails at your regular appointments.
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