Here's the plan our dental hygenist friend gave us for our son. We used this when he was 4 1/2. Our son was a night time thumb sucker. This plan worked wonders!
Eliminating Thumb Sucking Habit
1. Child must understand that thumb sucking is a damaging habit if it continues and child must want to quit. “Thumb sucking is something babies do...and eventually out grow…like wearing diapers.” Nothing negative should be said about thumb sucking, no belittling, etc. Child understands and reasons well…and responds to positive motivation. This is the key to success.
2. It will take approximately 10 days to make a change and 21 days to make a habit. However, it is recommended using 30 days to achieve the goal. Parent must be prepared to make a month long commitment.
3. It is important that the child understands that this is a very difficult habit to break by himself. Since it happens while he is sleeping, he needs help and reminders not to suck his thumb. Ask if child wants help and reminders…child has to buy into the program!
4. Success depends upon the child wanting to change and accepting help to make the change occur. This technique is for a very smart and special child who wants to stop the “baby” habit of thumb sucking. For nightly sucking habit, the following technique has had great success.
• Prepare necessary supplies – a “special” box and a “special” calendar for this occasion. The calendar will be used to chart progress. Keep the calendar on display in the child’s bedroom. Supplies in the box include: waterproof first aid tape, a narrow ace bandage, diaper pins, stickers for the calendar. Or you can tape a glove instead of ace bandage.
• Use the special box to keep supplies in and have a special place for this box. (i.e. a note card box he decorates kept in a drawer). Talk it up; make the process a fun POSITIVE process…a transition to BIG BOY status!
• Nightly, place 2 strips of waterproof first aid tape on the sucking thumb. One strip above the joint and one strip below the joint. Next, wrap the thumb and hand to the wrist with an ace bandage. Use a diaper pin to secure the bandage. Do NOT place tape or wrap tightly. (We used a glove instead of the ace bandage and used first aid tape to tape the glove to his wrist)
• Tuck the child into bed. Have the child repeat 10 times “I will not suck my thumb…I’m a big boy” or something to that effect. This is the message that you are sending to the subconscious.
• In the morning, make a big deal out of the successful night! Remove the bandages, return the ace bandage and diaper pin to the special box. Let the child select and place the sticker on the calendar. BE POSITIVE!
• Set goals and give rewards. The rewards can be decided upon in advance, so that the child is aware of the benefits. Or, the rewards can be a surprise. Depends upon the child.
Daily…the sticker on the calendar. Weekly…a little reward…gift, toy, book, etc. At the end of the month…BIG REWARD!