Putting objects in their mouths is a common behavior in young children, often stemming from oral sensory needs or developmental exploration. However, it's crucial to guide them towards safer habits. Here's how:
Understanding the Root Cause
Often, a child's mouthing behavior isn't about defiance; it's about sensory exploration. As stated by Miss Jaime, O.T. (https://missjaimeot.com/take-that-out-of-your-mouth/), children may be seeking oral sensory input, finding pleasure in the sensations. This can also be related to sensory processing difficulties, where chewing may occur when a child is overloaded (https://www.griffinot.com/child-oral-sensory-seeking/). For babies and toddlers, it's a normal stage of development (https://www.arktherapeutic.com/blog/why-does-my-older-child-chew-on-everything/).
Effective Strategies
- Distraction and Redirection: Instead of simply saying "no," try distracting your child with an alternative activity or object. As suggested by several sources, provide safe alternatives like chewelry, chewable pencil toppers, or other chewing aids ([Advice and strategies]).
- Oral Motor Activities: Increase opportunities for safe oral stimulation through age-appropriate oral motor activities (check for recommended resources).
- Positive Reinforcement: Praise and reward your child when they keep objects away from their mouths.
- Clear Communication: Use clear, simple language. Instead of "Don't put that in your mouth," try "Please keep that away from your face" (https://www.reddit.com/r/Preschoolers/comments/z38hjz/how_to_stop_45_year_from_putting_things_in_their/). Explain, without anger, why it's important (https://parenting.stackexchange.com/questions/29131/how-to-prevent-4-year-old-from-putting-things-in-mouth).
- Hygiene: Frequent hand washing helps reduce the risk of germs (https://parenting.firstcry.com/articles/mouthing-objects-in-an-18-months-old/).
- Environmental Modification: Keep potentially hazardous objects out of reach. Emphasize the difference between food and non-food items (https://www.babycenter.com/child/behavior/how-can-i-stop-my-2-year-old-from-putting-everything-in-her_69314).
- Reminder: Remind older children that they're old enough to play without putting toys in their mouths (https://www.fatherly.com/parenting/stop-kids-putting-stuff-in-their-mouths).
Remember, patience and consistency are key. Gently discouraging the behavior while providing alternatives is more effective than harsh punishment.
