my 4 and1/2 year old picks his nose and eats it, I know this is normal but its discustng I would love to break him from this habit before he starts school any tips. Thanks H.
Actually, there is a study out that my husband was just telling me about. It concluded that kids who pick their nose are healthier than non-pickers and kids who then eat said pickings (gross I know) but they are the healthiest of all. Don't really understand how that works but, whatever. I'd go with the "that's something for private time" just as you would a boy who likes to play with himself. :)
My son does it too, but also, chews on his shirt, licks his fingers, chews on plastic wrappers, and have caught him eating a couple other weird things.. I am starting to wonder if it is a nutritional deficiency.
There is a condition known as pica where humans have an urge to eat non food things. It is caused by lack of mineral balance.
I give my kids FULVIC ACID now, also vit B and magnesium. I don't seem to see him doing it much anymore, but no more shirt sucking- thank God.
Yes, I know, it's yucky to see. Some kids don't even realize they're doing it. I'd make up a code word to zap him with everytime you see him go for the nose, to make him stop and realize what he's about to do.
I wouldn't worry about the stopping before school. I teach third grade and I can assure you, even at that level with 8 year olds, they don't notice, care or comment on another kid doing it.
Good luck
Tell him it is inappropriate and to STOP!!! Then give him a time out when he does it. More than likely it has become a habit. Also make sure your home is hydrated. Winter heat makes a house dry and as a result the nasal passages dry out too, causing dry mucus to stick in his nose. Then make sure he has a tissue available to use in his nose instead of his finger.
I think this is a more common habit than you might think. My son and his friend do it as well. I have basically told him that I donàt want to see him do it because it is not pleasant to watch and that he should learn to not do it in front of anyone or risk public humiliation. If he wants to do it I canàt stop him, but he has to learn it is a private thing. BTW, heàs 9 and has been doing this since he was very small.
My son is 8, and he does that sometimes. It's so gross! I try not to make too big of a deal about it because I know he will move on to another habit. I have tried talking to him about why it's bad- your body is wrapping up germs and trying to get rid of them so you won't get sick, so why would you put them back in?! I ask him would he eat other stuff that comes out of his body? But this doesn't seem to stop him because he thinks it's funny. Maybe it's a boy thing?
