A Nose Picking Problem

Almost all kids pick their nose. In my daycare the kids remind each other that it is unacceptable by saying "No picky and Flicky".

Many kids are not good nose blowers. Try to suction his nose with a good nasal suction device, and then put some vicks below his nose.

If his nose is itchy and dry inside he might just need some saline solution to make his nasal passages moist.

If he is doing it because there is nothing better to do with his finger, then make sure his hands are alway occupied with a small toy to hold.

He might just be eating it because there is no better place for it. Buy him his own hankies to collect them.

It he is eating them because he is hungry, make sure he always has a cracker in his hand.

The key here is to narrow down the reason he picks his nose and eats them.

I hope this helps

D.

I have a 3 year old and we also are struggling with the same nose picking and eating issue! Im working on this -and has seemed to help because he is doing it less. I was told to keep his hand busy and occupied. At preschool they would give him a small stuffed animal he would have to hold on to during times he was more prone to picking his nose, usually around story time when his attention span is short. In the car I try to have a book for him to look through.the key things I was told was to let him know that we should blow our nose instead of picking it and that they bring lots of germs. After explaining to the child that we shouldnt do that- don't make it a big deal or get upset at them when they do.If you keep reminding the child not to do something they are more focoused on doing just that! Good luck!

Dear H.,

Tell him that grownup people do not pick their noses, that they use kleenex or a handkerchief.

Take him to the store just to buy kleeex and handkerchiefs - not anything else. Make it a special trip so that it will impress him. No little brother goes along, just Mom or Dad and him. O.K.? Then have him choose the box that he wants - the different colors and sizes. Ask him how many does he think that he will need. Get a few that he chooses and handkerchiefs - get men's and show him that they come in red and blue work handkerchiefs and white ones for dress up. Do a serious job, let him handle the money and carry the bag.

When you get home ask him where he would like to put his kleenex and handkerchiefs so that he could find them when he needs them....after they are all placed, then sit down and say, let me show you how a grownup uses a kleenex ....then a handkerchief. Ask him to show you how to use them. La, la, la, and on and on. No more holding down. Ask him if he remembers HIS kleenex when he starts to 'pick'. Oh well, that is all I know. Good luck, C. N.

I have to laugh at this everytime! I thought I was doing something wrong for the longest time when my oldest children were going through this phase. After many attempts like yours & shrinking in public, I realized it's harmless to him other than it makes him look like a messy dirty kid & in turn reflects the idea of poor parenting. ALL kids will pick their nose - this is a fact.

So, with my kids, I let them know it was something they did in the bathroom, like going potty, use tissue, & wash the boogies off. I tell them, "The boogies come out of the body because it is dirty & we don't want dirty germs to make us sick"!