School Giving Daughter Time Outs for Sucking Thumb

My daughter is 3 1/2 and suck her thumb. The teacher she will have when she move up to the next class playfully told my daughter in my presence that she would not suck her thumb once she arrive in her class. I kindly spoke with her away from my daughter and told her that we would work together in helping her to stop but that by no means did I want her (teacher) to forcefully not allow my daughter to suck her thumb. Things like this should be addressed immediately to avoid confusion for the child/parent/teacher.

Hi R.!

I would see what the teachers reply back to you with and escalate with the Director of the school if you feel it's necessary. Time outs for sucking thumbs seems unnecessary to me. If it's a usual policy they enforce on all children in the school, that needs to be laid out and understood.

Chrystal G - get over yourself!

Good luck R.!

-Char

As a mom of 2 thumb suckers, I would absolutely not allow this. That is their way of soothing theirself. I have never even heard of such a thing! I would contact the director and talk to her about this. Hopefully it was a misunderstanding- but you stand your ground on this one! Good Luck!

Definitely speak to the director of the school about this punishment for such a small and insignificant thing. They should have consulted with you first anyway, in my opinion, as to how you are addressing the thumb sucking so she would not get conflicting messages.

J.

1st I would not worry about what other people think is appropriate for your child, you do what you feel is best for her. if enrolling her in a montessori is what you felt was best then good for you, way to take charge of your childs education! Great for you to set such "high" expectations as well. so now that i have that off my chest...
2nd I would definatley take it up with the school. I dont think thumb sucking at her age in inappropriate. while i am not a fan of thumb sucking it is definatley not a punishable offense at her age.

good luck!

The school should be following your lead. They have no business disciplining your daughter for thumb-sucking if that is not what you want. If they don't go along with your wishes, it is time to find another school.

I wouldn't wait for an email response. I would go in person and speak to the teacher and director in person. I would just be very honest and state that you don't think that time outs are appropriate for thumb sucking. It is not an issue that you have started addressing with your daughter yet. I would also ask for a specific list of what behavior results in a time out. My daughter has been in day care/MDO for 3 years now and thumb sucking has NEVER been an issue. Is it perhaps that one specific teacher's dislike of thumb sucking? Either way, I would put a stop to it immediately! I personally like Montessori however there are alot of really great programs out there if they are not willing to budge. Good luck!

I agree with other responses. Thumb-sucking isn't misbehaving. Perhaps their 'reasoning" is that they've told her not to suck her thumb and she continues to do it, so she's not following directions. I don't think that this is an issue the school should be involved with unless a parent has specifically requested the school's assistance in reinforcing the home routine.

I hope you get a good response from the school. Best of luck!

I don't think you are overreacting at all. There is probably a reason she is sucking her thumb. My sister sucked her thumb and even as an older child when she was extremely tired. Some children need more oral stimulation than others. I would check with your dentist to make sure her teeth growth will not be affected, I have heard conflicting stories both ways. Good Luck from another June birthday girl.

The purpose of time out is to punish intentional or willful disobedience. Thumb sucking does not fit that category. As the mother of two current almost three year old "thumb dependent" little boys, this would surely upset me. You are right to pursue this issue and make your feelings known.

No way !!! contact the school director, omg these people ughh that is why I cant stand daycares.. Sorry!!!