Child learn specific ways to cope with the various emotions they feel. For some it is sucking their thumbs. Other kids twirl their hair. Some behaviors are socially acceptable while others aren’t. But, these are all behaviors that a child has learned to do when over stimulated, scared, nervous, etc.
Heather asked the question:
Any suggestions to get my son to stop chewing his shirt endlessly? You would think he was trying to eat it for dinner!
Here are a few ideas that I will give.
#1 – Figure out what occurs around the behavior. Is there something causing the behavior?
#2 – What would be an acceptable behavior that can be exchanged?
#3 – Make the child aware of the habit. This will take many reminders for many days.
For a child who is chewing on things, they may be seeking oral stimulation. Try chewing gum.
Start a behavior chart with positive reinforcements. Let the child put a sticker on the chart for every 15-30 minutes that he or she doesn’t chew on his or her clothing. Slowly increase the amount of time until you can go all day.
Sit down with the child and talk about what behavior is appropriate and what behavior is not. Explain that is is fine to chew on gum but it is not fine to chew on your clothing. Discuss that God has given you the clothes that you have and you are to take care of them. Roll play with stuffed animals allowing the child to play the “adult” roll.
In review, you have to train the child to replace the negative behavior with an acceptable behavior.
What suggests do you have?
We have two kids with oral issues. One thing you hit on (#2 – alternative) is so important since this is a need, not a want. It can, however, turn into a habit. You don't want that. Our house has a lot of oral alternatives around. They can have a sucker (they love to just bite right through them when they are seeking), a chewy toy (therapeutic, not dog aisle variety – hehehe) of many shapes, sizes, textures, and thicknesses, can have gum (my older son, not the 2 year old who is allergic and too young)- the bigger the better, can have us do oral-motor exercises, and so on. We have these things where they have access to them (except the candy and gum, those are up but they can ask for the if they need them) so they can just grab them when the need arises. This has stopped the nasty wet collars and funky chew holes in their shirts.
I like the behavior chart idea. I'll give that a try!