Your child puts his hands in their mouth when nervous as a form of self-soothing.
Putting hands in the mouth, or other objects, is a common behavior, especially among toddlers, to regulate their nervous system and calm feelings of stress or nervousness. Let's explore why this happens:
Self-Soothing Mechanism
- Regulating the Nervous System: Sucking or chewing on objects, like hands, provides a calming effect. This helps children manage feelings of stress or anxiety.
- Similar Behaviors: Other self-soothing behaviors include putting hair or clothing in the mouth, or nail-biting.
When to Be Concerned
While usually normal, frequent or intense hand-to-mouth behavior could indicate underlying anxiety. Consult a healthcare professional if you have concerns.
