We all have good and bad habits, consciously acknowledged or not. However, some parents may find their kids doing things they consider adorable, unaware that these behaviors become unwanted habits. Some children outgrow these practices, but others may not.
Let’s examine a few of the most common bad habits children develop. Keep a watchful eye out for these prevalent practices for your children’s health and safety.
Thumb-Sucking
Children have a natural sucking reflex. When your kid is between the age of 2-4, they may learn this habit. A child will suck their finger or thumb because they find it soothing, and this practice can become a behavior that is hard to stop later on.
Some kids outgrow this bad habit. However, others will suffer from the impact of thumb-sucking on their dental health for years.
Hair Twirling/Pulling
This habit happens when a child is bored or even while watching TV. Kids may also pull their hair when they become frustrated or stressed. When you notice your kid doing these things, observe what compels them to do it and manage the issue from there.
Teeth Grinding
You may notice your child grinding their teeth while fast asleep, but this practice also happens due to stress. Other kids make grinding a habit while awake. A visit to the dentist may help you with this issue, and you can also find out what upsets them to handle and correct the problem.
Nail Biting
Correct your little one immediately once you see them biting their nails. Otherwise, this practice can become a habit that may persist. Nail-biting can also continue to adulthood if not corrected early on. You must determine what brings out the behavior: tension, boredom, or frustration?
Lip Sucking or Biting
Another of the most common bad habits children develop is sucking or biting their lips. This often leads to chapped or dry lips. Children tend to perform this habitual action when anxious, afraid, or unsure about something. The child may continue this behavior when they feel unsure of themselves or stressed.
Nose Picking
It’s unhygienic for your child to pick their nose without cleaning their hands afterward or using a tissue while doing so. You can correct them by explaining the proper way and time to do it. At the same time, you can help your child focus on doing other activities instead of this habit, especially when they’re bored.
At the end of the day, most children’s habits are instinctual during development or picked up by example. Concerned parents can help correct these tendencies in their children if they impact their health or interfere with daily functioning.
