How to correct nail biting in children

Generally speaking, nail biting is a behavior that most children experience during their growth process. However, for some children, this behavior may gradually disappear as they grow older. However, for some children, this nail biting behavior becomes a special hobby that accompanies their growth and lasts for the rest of their lives. When faced with this situation, most parents choose to correct and stop their children. So what are the methods to correct young children's nail biting?

1. General treatment

Parents should first realize that this is a disease and simply resorting to beating, scolding or punishment is not only unhelpful, but will make the condition worse. Secondly, we should actively look for factors that cause tension and anxiety, and promptly improve children’s living environment and cultivate healthy living habits. In addition, children's nails should be trimmed regularly to prevent nail infection and cuticle damage.

2. Psychotherapy

The main methods used are behavioral restrictions and positive guidance. The so-called behavioral restriction means that when a child bites his nails, parents should patiently teach him to slowly move his fingers away from his mouth, and express approval with a smile, nod or praising tone, and use a meaningful thing or toy to distract the child's attention. Positive guidance is to explain the reasons clearly to the older children who cooperate, so that they realize that nail biting is a behavioral deviation and the harm of nail biting, which can be completely corrected through their own efforts. At the same time, children are encouraged to participate in more group activities and outdoor exercises to develop their potential and promote healthy physical and mental development.

From the above introduction, we know that nail biting is a bad behavior, so parents must stop their children and help them correct it. However, correcting nail biting cannot be effective overnight. It requires a long-term process. Therefore, parents must have the confidence to correct their children in daily life and remind them at all times. As long as they persist, their children's habit will be able to get rid of it.