The clinical name for nail biting is onychophagia. This bad habit runs rampant in children between the ages of ten and eighteen. In fact, almost fifty percent of children in this age group admit that they have a habit of biting their nails. A parent that understands the motivation behind this habit will be able to give their child the tools necessary to stop nail biting.
Most children with this habit stop nail biting by the time they turn thirty. Others will continue biting their nails for the rest of their life unless they receive the help that they need in order to quit. For some, what began as a simple childhood habit can turn into an obsessive disorder that must be treated by a medical professional?
There many reasons why someone might bite their nails. The two reasons at the top of the list are boredom and anxiety. Identifying the reason that your child bites their nails will give you the edge that you need in order to get them to stop nail biting.
Stop Nail Biting Through Dialogue
A child that suddenly begins nail biting might be experiencing anxiety. Sit down with your child and have a quiet talk with them. Never berate a child for biting their nails this will only cause more stress and make matters worse.
Ask your child if anything new is going on at school. Sometimes the stress of a new class can make a child feel overwhelmed and trigger nervous habits like nail biting. Ask how things are with their friends. Things that might seem like nonsense to you can really upset your child. They see the world from a completely different perspective than you. Listen to what they have to say. Don"t dismiss their feelings or tell them to get over their problems. You are their parent; it is up to you to help them rise above their problems.
If anxiety isn"t the problem, boredom is most likely the culprit. Watch your child and take note of what activities are going on when they bite their nails. When you notice that they are nibbling, give them something to do with their hands. Busy fingers won"t find their way into the mouth.
Stop Nail Biting "" Techniques that Work for Children
The best technique I have found to stop nail biting in young children is the bandage method. Let your child pick out a box of bandages with their favorite cartoon character on them. Place a bandage over each fingernail. Bandages create a barrier between nail and teeth that really works to stop nail biting.
Older girls often like using the glove method. Gloves also provide a barrier to protect the nails. They are a reminder not to bite every time the glove is brought to the mouth. Many girls love accessorizing with gloves. Unfortunately, the most commonly used technique used for older boys entails painting a foul tasting substance on the nails. It is an unpleasant experience, but it works to stop nail biting.