Nose Picking - Simsbury,CT

if there's a miracle "cure" out there i've yet to find it!! i probably tell my son fifty times a day, "don't pick your nose". oh, and that doesn't count how many times i pull his finger out without saying anything. another fifty times a day. he knows better. my son's is a million times worse when he has a runny nose (in fact when he doesn't it is basically nonexistent). try a decongestant (ask your ped) and just keep tissues on hand at all times. i try to ask "do you need a tissue?" instead of saying "don't pick your nose" all the time. it is just sooooo frustrating. and never mind going out in public! embarassing!

Hi P.,
Aaagh, don't you just *love* when you turn around, and there's a finger half-way to China?! lol.

When I worked in pre-school, the teacher kept tissue boxes everywhere, and the second and kid got a finger anywhere near their face, we'd say: go get a tissue!

It didn't totally solve the problem, but they learned.

Good luck.
t

my daughter does all the time. i used to use a qtip to get them - but that was a battle - so know i've let her do it herself - so she puts - but she's 3.5

I just try to manage it by telling my son that he can only do it in his bedroom or in the bathroom. Time and place stuff. Good Luck, Nat

I don't think there is a way to get them to stop at that age. The only advice I have is to constantly remind them not to do it. But, my guess is that they're only doing it because something is bugging him and making his nose uncomfortable. I agree with the positive reinforcement of "Do you need a tissue?" vs. telling them it's gross and not to do it. My husband does that with our 3 year old regarding something else, and the point is not well taken.

Have you tried running a humidifier in his room or using saline drops to help soften the mucus?

Otherwise,