How Do I Get 5 Yr Old to Stop Chewing His Clothes?

I would take him for a dental exam (a child's dentist). There may be something bothering him in his mouth or jaw that you cannot see and he is not able to explain or ask about. Worth a try and time at 5 to go, anyway. S. B.

Hi B.,

It could just be a habit that he has created and it will pass...however if it's not, it could be something like Julie has described. The abundance of synthetic chemicals in our society have caused a lot of problems. They literally build up in our system, contraindicate like meds and the only way to get them out is to remove them. Synthetic chemicals can cause neurological problems like ADD, ADHD, Autism, SPD, OCD and many others. They can also cause respiratory problems, kidney distress and heart problems and it can be seen in our skin. Eczema and Psoriasis are systemic. Non-alcoholic cirrhosis of the liver (which has always been known a toxicity of the liver) is common now.

When the immune system is compromised, symptoms occur. The key is to build the immune system by removing the chemicals. (You can jump-start it with chiropractic and diet and exercise.)These chemicals are in your cleaning products, your bath and body supplies, your food as pesticides, preservatives, and processing and certain fibers that we wear and sleep on.

Detoxing the house is always a good idea. It is a safer way to live and if we don't expose ourselves at home, we have a fighting chance outside the home. Dodging processed foods is helpful. If the label of ingredients is several inches long on a package, it's not safe to eat. Washington and Oregon fruits and vegetables are farmed with almost organic standards. Learn to read labels on products. The FDA only protects us by putting warnings on things...should not be inhaled, do not induce vomiting, do not allow contact with skin...these are statements that should make us run!

B., detoxing can be simple and it can be very inexpensive. I can help if you like. If this is a phase with your son, you're no worse off and have probably prevented issues down the road. If it is directed related to a neurological "thing," then detoxing will definitely help.

Regards,

M.
www.squidoo.com/ifyourbabycouldtalk

B.-
Both my older ones did this for a short time in Kindergarten- give it a month or so - just pull the shirt out of his mouth gently and say try not to do that OK? don't make a big deal out of it- I think it's just a nervous habit- atleast for my boys- the nasty habit went away as quickly as it showed up.
Good luck
Nikki
mom of 3 boys

I can't wait to hear these answers! My 5 year old daughter does the same thing and is ruining her clothes. Do you think it is based in insecurity or just a bad habit?

Given it does not go away, she may have developed oral sensory issues. Sensory issues are developed due to deficiencies in the body. Many children who chew and lick benefit from being supplemented with minerals (liquid chelate mate at nbnus.com, but I am sure you can find at a natural food store). Another big possiblity is a chemical sensitivity or a food sensitivity. Check out www.feingold.org. This diet removes the artificial and natural additives that can cause these type issues. You may also go further and either place him gluten free, casein free (search for 10 weeks to gFCF for a document to help you do that) or have him tested with an IGG allergy test. Many kids who come back with no allergies still benefit greatly from GFCF diet and these odd behaviors wil start peeling off.

If it lasts, there are lots of things to do to get to the root. Don't struggle with the behavior and remember, your children have a reason for everything they do - getting to the root is what to focus on. Don't find yourself getting mad and frustrated - just become a researcher! Best of luck, J.

It could be that he just needs to break the habit but it may also be more than that. I'd talk to the pediatrician about it.