The habit of biting one's nails often begins when a child is young. It is often an unconscious habit, meaning a tween may not even realize he is doing it. Relentless efforts on a parent's behalf to have a child stop biting his nails is an ongoing problem. It is important for parents to know that biting nails (often times fingernails, but also toe nails) can also cause some health problems in the present and in the future. Here are some tips to help a tween stop biting his nails.
Tips to Stop Nail Biting in Tweens
Determine the cause for nail biting. As with any habit, there are usually factors that trigger nail biting. In this case, it often stems from nervousness, anxiety, or just plain boredom. In fact, it can be many different factors all working together to form this habit. Ask the tween to make a journal of when he most often notices himself biting his nails by writing down the activity he is involved in when he is biting his nails. This way it will be documented if there is one thing causing the habit or multiple factors contributing to it.
Stay aware of the habit. Knowing triggers for nail biting is a huge stop in stopping the habit. When the child knows his triggers, he will be more aware of himself starting to bite his nails, and, thus, be able to make himself stop. Then, he can replace the nail biting with chewing a piece of gum or some other simple activity to take his mind off of nail biting.
Use rewards to discourage nail biting. Small rewards may be all it takes to get a tween to stop biting his nails. For girls, a manicure could be enticing. Boys might like a trip to ride go-karts or a night out with buffalo wings.
Try a little aversion therapy. Set a jar in the child's room. Have him put in a nickle every time he bites his nails. After a week, he must donate this money somehow, instead of keeping it himself. Another popular method of aversion is using a bracelet and switching arms every time nail biting occurs. This method will surely become annoying, and may encourage the tween to break the habit. For girls, nail polish may work to avoid biting her nails. There are also clear-colored unpleasant-tasting polishes that both boys and girls can try.
Document progress. Take pictures of the tween's nails as a way to chart the progress he is making. When he realizes how much better his hands look and feel when the habit is broken, he may be less likely to fall back into the habit. Of course, you will soon have to show him how to trim his nails to keep them looking healthy, but that is a good thing!
Health Risks to Tweens Associated With Nail Biting
Some of the most common side effects associated with nail biting that can potentially be dangerous, include:
- Sore fingertips that can keep a tween from performing simple tasks, such as buttoning clothes.
- Infections involving both the nail beds, as well the mouth caused by germs and/or bacteria.
- Dental problems, including being prone to developing more caries and causing gum problems.
The biggest issue with nail biting that a tween will have to overcome is patience. It has been proven that it takes 21 days to break a habit and two out of three people will pick up the habit again within six months. Help a tween stay with the program to kick the nail biting habit with constant motivation and encouragement.
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Denise Oliveri - Denise has been writing for Suite101 for many years, and enjoys sharing her experiences and knowledge with readers. Her main occupation at ...
