How to Stop Sucking Your Thumb (Older Kids)

Last Updated: March 11, 2023 References

It is typical for babies to suck their thumbs at one point or another. Most children stop once they reach toddler age, however some children carry the habit on for many years. Sucking your thumb is a bad habit. Not only can it cause damage to your teeth, it can also cause you embarrassment. Here are a few tips on how to stop.^{[1]
X
Research source}

Steps

1
Have the willpower to stop. Think of a reason. For example, if you stop, you won't get teased at sleepovers. It may also save you from needing braces, due to your teeth growing in improperly. Something along those lines should help.^{[2]
X
Research source}
2
Prepare yourself to stop. You may not sleep too well at first, because you always sleep with your thumb in your mouth. This may make your mouth dry, so keep a glass of water by your bed.

Advertisement
3
Wear something over your hand. If you can't stop sucking your thumb on your own, you can prevent it by putting a sock over your hand or putting a cotton ball or a make-up pad on your thumb and taping it in place. Wearing gloves also works. If you want, you can wrap a bandage around your thumb, that way you are reminded not to suck your thumb..^{[3]
X
Research source}
4
Alter any sleeping habits. If you have a pillow or stuffed animal that you normally sleep with against your face, don't sleep with it to your face as you're trying to stop. The smell of the stuffed animal may make you want to suck your thumb more.^{[4]
X
Trustworthy Source
PubMed Central
Journal archive from the U.S. National Institutes of Health
Go to source}
5
Buy thumb stopping kits on the Internet. Don't buy the flavored liquids, because you can just wash them off, which won't help you to break the habit.
6
Apply a displeasing taste to your thumb. If you can't stop sucking your thumb try putting something that tastes bitter or spicy (paprika, hot sauce etc.) on your thumb.^{[5]
X
Research source}
7
Put your hand under your pillow. Sleep with your head on the pillow. This will separate your thumb from your mouth.

Warnings

Do not tell anyone you can't trust that you suck your thumb, because they may not react kindly. You don't want that information traveling to other people as a rumor.

⧼thumbs_response⧽
Helpful 352 Not Helpful 63
Always be careful when you're at school, if you suck your thumb on a normal basis you may do it at school. It is a habit and you do become unaware.

⧼thumbs_response⧽
Helpful 296 Not Helpful 64