3 yo biting fingernails?

redfish08

My DS has started biting his fingernails and even his cuticles.  Half the time he causes them to bleed.  It is so freaking annoying!  Is there anything I can do to stop this?  My husband has this habit and he drives me crazy too.  

PiggynKermit

he probably picked it up from your husband because the way children learn is by imitation. Try asking your pediatrition or dentist for the bitter stuff to put on his fingers to deter biting. You can also try offering a puzzle or crafty activity that require his hands to be busy. Ask him to go wash his hands everytime you see him doing it.

Angiesmommy

My DD does the same thing. I've asked her pediatrician and she actually told me not to use the bitter nail stuff. She explained that sometimes children just come across the habit and it'll run its course. She said to treat it like potty training. Reminding DD not to bite her nails (as you would ask a child if they need to use the potty) often. I've also try distracting her with something when I notice she's biting or picking at her nails.  I do have her washing her hands all the time.

Read2Me

Angiesmommy:

My DD does the same thing. I've asked her pediatrician and she actually told me not to use the bitter nail stuff. She explained that sometimes children just come across the habit and it'll run its course. She said to treat it like potty training. Reminding DD not to bite her nails (as you would ask a child if they need to use the potty) often. I've also try distracting her with something when I notice she's biting or picking at her nails.  I do have her washing her hands all the time.

Our pedi recommended the same thing- just gentle reminders.  If your DH does it, it's probably genetic.  Mine does and so now Eva does as well.  She did it for several months and I would remind her to take her fingers out of her mouth or hand her something to distract her.  I didn't even notice that she had stopped until she scratched me with one of her fingernails and I had to start trimming them again!  She has gone back to doing it but I notice it phasing out again.  Good luck! 

Spenjamins

My hisband does it and now my boys do it. Both of them. I just let it go.