As moms and dads, we notice some behaviors in our children: nail biting, thumb sucking, hair twisting, and nose picking. Often these behaviors are normal - though often they could become socially awkward or potentially unhealthy habits. If you want to look for innocently inspiring ways to help kids replace bad habits, you may want to reference this blog for some simple strategies.

Why do kids develop these habits?

Children practice behaviors such as thumb sucking and nail biting for many different reasons. Here are some examples:

• Comfort and Security - the behavior is self-soothing behavior during an event that is challenging (i.e., thumb sucking).

• Boredom or Anxiety - many children's habits develop when they are bored, anxious or are not able to find an activity to participate in.

• Imitation - Children have vivid memories and associate habits, based on imitation of parents, siblings, and peers.

• Lack of awareness - many children are not aware that they are practicing any one behavior until someone points it out to them.

It is important to understand why your child started a habit because working to eliminate a habit begins with understanding what caused it to start.

Strategies to Assist Kids in Stopping Bad Habits

1. Notice Triggers

When does the habit occur? Where does it happen? Is your child biting their nails while they watch a film? Do they suck their thumb when they are sleepy? There may be an easy way to address the behavior if you recognize the trigger.

2. Foster Awareness

Children often do not realize they are engaging in a habit. If you notice your child engaging in their behavior, mention it to them without scolding. You might say: "I see you are biting your nails again. Do you realize when you do it?"

3. Offer a Substitute Behaviors

Provide an alternate behavior. For example, if your child bites their nails out of nervousness, give them a stress ball or fidget cube to keep their hands busy!

5. Keep Their Hands Busy

For kids who bite their nails, one way to keep their nails trimmed and clean can keep the temptation away. There are also products that you can use that are safe and taste bitter. Painting your child's nails with the safe, bitter solution can prevent them from biting their nails.

6. Deal with Stress and Anxiety

If your child's habit is based on stress, and stress is reduced, then it is important to find some ways to help relax your child. Your child could be encouraged to practice deep breathing, read them a story, or have them participate in a physical activity, like sports, or yoga.

7. Use Gentle Reminders

Never punish or scold your child. Instead use gentle reminders, like a tap on the hand, or ask an open ended question such as "Do you need something to do with your hands?"

8. Get Professional Help

If you're minimizing the habit, and behaviour is still present, and/or they are injuring themselves (as in blood filled nail beds due to nail biting), it may be time to reach out to a professional (paediatrician, and/or child psychologist).

Breaking bad habits takes practice and consistency. For nail biting, thumb sucking, & more - how to assist kids with breaking bad habits is going to take time, understanding, encouragement & positive reinforcement. After identifying the concern, and identifying things that trigger the action, you offer your kid new options (something to do with their hands) and they will unlearn their less positive, learned behaviour and substitute for healthier, more positive behaviours with the potential to last for a lifetime.

Small steps matter, recognize and celebrate each progress, no matter how minor. Practice patience, we play an important role in helping to guide them towards more positive behaviours.