Six and a Half Year Old Has Destructive Chewing Habit

My 6 1/2 year old does the same thing and has for years (started when he was 2). For him it's a stress induced coping mechanism. He may go for months without doing it, but will start again when stressed (such as starting school again). I would guess it's the same for your son.

Keep in mind that this is a COPING mechanism and doesn't need to be stopped just redirected. Finding a better outlet would be more productive than just trying to get him to stop. For our son jumping on the trampoline is a great stress reducer. We also give him old wash cloths to chew on when he really feels the need (he'll ask for one). I've got a lot of good ideas from a gentleman named Kirk Martin. He came to our school one time and gave lots of ideas for helping kids. Getting on his email list is free, so you might give him a try.

Good Luck!!

My son is now 22 1/2 years old. He has ALWAYS done this. It drove me crazy when he was a kid. His favorite things to chew were paper and straws. Actually, anything was fair game. When I asked the Dr. about this, they explained it was a nervous habit, just like my daughter chewing her fingernails. My son does it when he's stressed about something, from what I can see. He's not as bad now as he was years ago, but I have come to the conclusion he will probably always do this to some extent. As kids get older and other kids notice these habits, they learn to hide it somewhat so they don't get made fun of. Just like my 6 year old stepson who still sucks his thumb. He doesn't do it now except in his sleep. The kids at school made fun of him. Your son will be fine. This will be a long gone memory in a few years when bigger things come up. Good luck! B. P.

I am not sure what other characteristics he has but you may look up sensory integration disorder (not that he has that, but it may help you see if he has other characteristics that could make sense). Chewing is very common with children that have various sensory issues. It could easily be a way to cope with stress or anxiety too. Just hard to tell....a call to the doctor is a good place to start.

I think you should take him to the doctor for sure.

Yes, I agree that you should see the doc. I cant remember the name of it (lack of sleep sorry! ha) but there is a condition in which kids do this...paper, some even feces! Even though I'm sure you are feeding your kids nutritious foods his body could be lacking some vitamins/minerals that he may need a supplement for...get it checked out...

You need to punish him when he is caught chewing on things. By making him chew something nasty to him what you will have to find. Everytime you see him doing it you give him something else nasty to chew on. An when he goes a day without doing it then reward him each time with small things, candy, dollar toy, whatever he may stop.

It sounds like more than a habit, take him to the doctor it could be a sensory thing.