Hand ****ing, Fingers In The Mouth

[Gurdy]

I just tell them no everytime I see them doing it- eventually they stop. I also make them wash their hands if they have had them in their mouth. It is funny though- kids will completely stop ****ing thumbs even at nap time at my house, but as soon as the parent walks in the door-- thumb goes straight in the mouth! So crazy!

[QualiTcare]

my "mammaw" used to threaten to put chili powder on my hands when i was a kid

that was enough to make me stop! she never had to do it. i wouldn't recommend that though - babybee's idea is not a good one if you want to stay in business.

make him/her go wash their hands with soap EVERY time you see them doing it. eventually, they'll be able to make eye contact with you, fingers in mid air, and will put their hands right back down. it doesn't take long

[Lucy]

bitter apple spray. can get it at pet stores. it's not harmful or toxic. some food stores might have it.
Or tobasco sauce or something. basically when they put their hand in their mouth it'll taste bad. they won't wanna do it.
even lemon juice works, but if they have any sores/cuts/ hang nails it'll burn.

Tabasco sauce is child abuse.

[dEHmom]

HAHA agreed!!!!!!!

I'm going back and hopefully I'll be able to edit that post because I think some people might miss the correction afterwards and think I'm just awful!!!


I have NEVER done this, and don't plan on it. Although I know my childhood if I was chewing my nails, I'd get tobasco sauce on my tongue or on my nails (my mom would paint it on my nails).

When I said that stuff, I was joking, just forgot to imply that because I was distracted.....*note to self....never post while distracted*

But I did want to state once again, it was a public health nurse coming for a program that advised me of the bitter apple!

[lvt77]

HAHA agreed!!!!!!!

I'm going back and hopefully I'll be able to edit that post because I think some people might miss the correction afterwards and think I'm just awful!!!


I have NEVER done this, and don't plan on it. Although I know my childhood if I was chewing my nails, I'd get tobasco sauce on my tongue or on my nails (my mom would paint it on my nails).

When I said that stuff, I was joking, just forgot to imply that because I was distracted.....*note to self....never post while distracted*

But I did want to state once again, it was a public health nurse coming for a program that advised me of the bitter apple!

I am sure that 95 % of the stuff that my parents and proviers did to me growing up would now be considered child abuse.....how did we all grow up so loving.....
I guess since I have become familar with your sense of humor, I knew you were joking.....

[dEHmom]

For your comment about how what our parents did to us would be child abuse now, ever wonder why it is the children nowadays are so horrible compared to us?

I'm only 25 yrs old, but I look around even at the 30 yrs olds that I see, and think "were you raised in a zoo?" or in the mafia!

The things I see make me want to vomit. I can't believe the stuff that goes on with kids these days. Jails are all over crowded, major offenses are slap on the wrists. Most people don't care about going to jail, it's better for them, food, cable, gym.

I am not a spanker, hitter, or anything like that with my kids, BUT there are kids I wish I could put over my knee and spank! I've yelled at kids on the playground. They are so disrespectful, throwing rocks when there are infants playing. Swearing, spitting, yada yada. I've even been tempted to drag the little brats to their house by the ear, and give their parents an earful, but I figure they're parents are probably sitting at home doing something illegal if their 5 and 8 yr olds are at the part by themselves.

[Zoe]

I have a 2 1/2 year old who has her hand in her mouth as well, but I can see that she only does it when she's upset or tired. She gets coddled at home and is STILL on the bottle (gets it during nap and bedtime at home too), so the hand thing must be her way of making herself feel better since I use a big girl cup with her here.

I LOVE the hand washing idea, but I'd hate to take away her source of comfort too. I'd love to read any ideas on how to substitute a comfort issue!

[Danielle]

I have a 2 1/2 year old who has her hand in her mouth as well, but I can see that she only does it when she's upset or tired. She gets coddled at home and is STILL on the bottle (gets it during nap and bedtime at home too), so the hand thing must be her way of making herself feel better since I use a big girl cup with her here.

I LOVE the hand washing idea, but I'd hate to take away her source of comfort too. I'd love to read any ideas on how to substitute a comfort issue!

It's only been a day but giving my son a chew necklace (see my post above) has been working well! I actually ended up making one for him. It's a teether toy, scrap fabric I had and a break away clasp.

Here it is:


hmm it's not showing up.. here's a link to it: http://s38.photobucket.com/albums/e1...t=IMG_6864.jpg

[lvt77]

man I sooo agree with you.....