Reasons why children bite their nails

We should see some children have the habit of biting their nails in our daily lives. There are many children with this habit. If parents find such a phenomenon, they should be able to correct it in time. There are many reasons why children bite their nails. Some are due to lack of certain vitamins in the body, and there are also some psychological reasons. No matter what the reason is, parents should pay attention to it. Let's take a look at the reasons why children bite their nails.

Parents and doctors should first rule out pathological causes for nail biting - that is, it may be zinc deficiency, iron deficiency, lead poisoning, and "pica" caused by roundworms. On this basis, we may consider that there may be deeper psychological and behavioral problems - young children usually go through stages of anxiety, irritability, and lack of security. For example, they are more likely to bite their nails when they are nervous or alone.

Certain specific environments can also induce the disease of nail biting. For example, when facing heavy schoolwork, reviewing for exams, watching thrilling movies or TV shows, or being scolded or punished by parents or school, nail biting becomes a special means for children to comfort themselves or relieve stress. In such circumstances, parents and teachers should pay more attention to children and correct them with the right methods instead of just blaming them.

For example, educate your child with a patient and caring attitude to stop biting his nails, tell him that swallowing bacteria will cause illness, and use games, handicrafts, toys, storytelling, outings, etc. to divert his attention and relieve his tension. At the same time, children should be encouraged to participate in more group activities and outdoor exercises to enhance their physical fitness and promote their healthy physical and mental development.

Some mental health experts also give another explanation, believing that nail biting is an unconscious behavior and a continuation of the "oral stage". The so-called "oral stage" refers to the period before children are one and a half years old. Most of their psychological energy is concentrated in their mouths. Sucking and biting can bring them happiness and also serve as their "tentacles" for exploring the world.

It can be said that once they become interested in an object, they will easily use their mouths or teeth to explore, feel, and experience it. And the most important activity for children during this period is sucking their mother's breast. On the one hand, it is a basic dietary need, and on the other hand, it establishes a channel of love with their mother and satisfies their emotional needs. If for various reasons a baby has too few opportunities to get close to the mother's breast, he or she may use nail biting and finger sucking as a spiritual substitute for a long time in the future.

Through the above introduction, you should understand the reasons why children bite their nails. If your child has such a phenomenon, you should find out the cause in time and correct it. Don't blame the child, which will affect the child's psychology.