Thumb-sucking is a common, self-soothing behavior that many children naturally engage in during infancy and toddlerhood. While it often fades as children grow, some kids continue the habit into their early years. This continuation can create challenges for their development and well-being. Continue reading to discover signs it’s time to help your child stop sucking their thumb.
Child’s Age
Most children stop sucking their thumb on their own between the ages of two and four. By the time a child reaches four or five, their permanent teeth are beginning to develop below the gum line. Extended thumb-sucking at this age may put undue pressure on these growing teeth, which can lead to misalignment over time. If your four- or five-year-old is still regularly sucking their thumb, it may be a good time to address the habit gently.
Dental Problems Appear
If you start noticing changes in your child’s dental alignment, prolonged thumb-sucking could be the cause. This habit can lead to issues such as an overbite, open bite, or even jaw misalignment. These changes might make chewing, speaking, and oral hygiene more challenging as your child grows. Consulting a pediatric dentist to confirm any concerns and discussing ways to curb the behavior can help prevent long-term dental issues.
Child Experiences Teasing
Children often become more aware of social dynamics as they enter school-aged years. If you notice that your child is experiencing peer pressure about their thumb-sucking, this can impact their self-confidence and lead to feelings of embarrassment. Your child might even bring up that they feel social pressure to stop. Addressing this reality with kindness and support can empower them to overcome the habit positively and constructively.
Speech or Language Challenges
Persistent thumb-sucking can sometimes interfere with the proper development of oral muscles. This persistence may lead to issues such as difficulty forming certain sounds, slurred speech, or delayed language development. If your child begins exhibiting speech or language delays and still sucks their thumb regularly, it may be time to seek advice from a speech therapist and start working on breaking the habit.
Child Wants To Stop
One of the clearest signs that it might be the right time to encourage your child to stop thumb-sucking is if they indicate they are ready. They may share frustrations about how their habit impacts them or express a goal of “acting more grown-up.” Acknowledging this desire and celebrating their readiness is an excellent starting point when planning how to help them quit the habit.
Helping your child stop sucking their thumb is a process that works best when approached with support and understanding. Stay patient, celebrate small victories, and seek professional advice if needed. Ultimately, the goal is to help them feel confident and ready to move on from this behavior in their own time.
Sam Hopes is a 37-year-old mom of two living in Portland, Oregon. She works as a freelance graphic designer and part-time yoga instructor, juggling creative projects with playdates and PTA emails. Known for her warm personality and dry humor, Sam loves hiking in Forest Park, thrifting on Mississippi Avenue, and weekend visits to OMSI with her kids, Ella and Milo. She’s the kind of parent who forgets sunscreen but always remembers snacks—and a good laugh.