To help a child stop putting things in their mouth, establish a cooperative approach with a discreet reminder system.
Here's how you can effectively address this habit:
1. Understanding the Behavior:
- Reasons: First, try to understand why the child is putting things in their mouth. It could be due to teething (especially in infants and toddlers), anxiety, boredom, sensory exploration, or simply habit.
- Age-Appropriateness: Mouthing is a normal behavior for babies and young toddlers as they explore the world. However, if the behavior persists past the toddler years (typically after age 3), intervention becomes more important.
2. Collaborative Approach:
- Talk to the Child: If the child is old enough to understand, have a calm conversation about why you want them to stop putting things in their mouth. Explain the potential for germs, dirt, and getting sick.
- Emphasize Helping Them: Frame it as you wanting to help them break the habit, not punish them for it.
3. Establish a Non-Verbal Cue:
- Agreement: Work with the child to come up with a subtle, non-verbal signal that you can use to remind them when they're putting something in their mouth. This avoids public shaming or drawing unnecessary attention.
- Examples:
- Tapping: If the child is at a desk, a gentle tap on the desk.
- Eye Contact: Making direct eye contact with a knowing nod or a slight head shake.
- Hand Signal: A pre-agreed upon hand gesture (e.g., gently touching your ear).
- Consistency: Use the signal consistently every time you observe the behavior.
4. Alternative Strategies:
- Provide Sensory Alternatives: If the child seems to be mouthing for sensory input, provide appropriate alternatives like teething toys (for young children), chewable jewelry (for older children with sensory needs), or fidget toys.
- Address Underlying Anxiety: If anxiety is suspected, consider strategies to manage anxiety, such as relaxation techniques, talking to a trusted adult, or seeking professional help.
- Keep Harmful Objects Out of Reach: Ensure that small objects that could be choking hazards are out of the child's reach.
5. Positive Reinforcement:
- Praise: Offer praise and positive reinforcement when the child successfully refrains from putting things in their mouth.
- Reward System: Consider a small reward system (e.g., stickers, extra playtime) for consistent improvement.
6. Consult a Professional:
- If the behavior persists despite your efforts, or if you suspect an underlying medical or developmental issue, consult with your pediatrician or a child psychologist.
