The Kid Who Can't Stop Putting Everything In His Mouth

[Leigh]

I have a kid (a GOOD kid) who can't stop putting everything in his mouth. He is in foster care, he's 3.5. He'll chew on the kitchen table, the couch, toys, his hands-anything he can get his lips around is fair game.

I have tried giving appropriate chew toys (like ARK brand chewers), I've even tried a pacifier! When he ****s his thumb or fingers, I send him to wash his hands (there are SO many illnesses going around right now!). I am just lost-this kid has a lot of trauma in his background, which I am sure is the major reason he does this, but I need it to stop.

Who has ideas?

[daycarediva]

oral fixation, can he chew gum? This worked for a former dck of mine. Mom tried it at home, and it worked great. I was hesitant, but he learned it needed to stay in his mouth, he never swallowed it and always put it in the trash. His clothes were soaked, I was ALWAYS correcting and washing toys. YUCK!

[Indoorvoice]

Ok I have had this problem so many times! I implemented a "****ing spot" haha! When I catch them mouthing something, they put the toy in the wash bin, I direct them to their appropriate chewer, and have them sit in their very special spot on a cushion. When they're ready to rejoin they put their chewer away and wash their hands. Just like a crying spot. I feel it helps to allow them to get their oral needs met while also putting reasonable limits on it.