Dr. Gwenn Schurgin O'Keeffe, MD, FAAP

Dear Dr. Gwenn,

I have four children, ages 7,5,3, and 6 months. The three older ones are all nail biters. I myself bite my nails. Is this the reason that the kids do it? And what can I do to help them stop? I know for myself it will be willpower but I do not want them to be nailbiters like I am. Thanks for your input.

Signed,
Patricia

Dear Patricia:

Nail biting is a nervous habit and very common in kids and adults. Kids do model their behavior after the grownups in their life so your nail biting may have contributed to their habit, but don't be too hard on yourself - it could be just bad luck that you all have the same habit.

That said, work as a team to battle this. Positive reinforcement goes a long way with kids. Find a non-threatening way to point out the nail biting when it occurs - like many habits, your kids may be blissfully unaware when it is occurring. Sometimes just becoming aware can make the problem less noticeable. Ask your kids what's going on when they bit their nails. Perhaps it occurs when they are tired or stressed about something.

Here are some more resources you may find helpful:

What's Wrong With Biting My Nails?
How Can I Stop My Child From Biting Her Nails?
Your Child's Habits


Best,
Dr. Gwenn

© 2005 - 2007 Pediatrics Now. All rights reserved.
PEDIATRICS NOW™ is a trademark of Pediatrics Now

Read more articles from Dr. Gwenn on FamilyCorner.com

What's Related
My Child is Obese: What Can I Do to Help Her?
Are You Raising Fit or Fat Kids?
Healthy Eating For Life
Helping the Overweight Child


About the Author
Pediatrician, Dr. Gwenn Schurgin O'Keeffe, MD, is a board-certified pediatrician and Fellow of the American Academy of Pediatrics. Dr. Gwenn is an experienced columnist, educator, and practicing pediatrician. Dr. Gwenn strives to write as if she were talking to a parent. As a parent herself, she knows how important it is to obtain information but also understand how precious little time parents have to find that information on the internet. Pediatrics Now was developed to fill that gap and provide a bridge between the parenting and pediatrics worlds.

Did you enjoy this article? Rate It! | Tell A Friend