What is the best way to discourage a child to stop biting fingernails?

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   samnashyposted 12 years ago

   What is the best way to discourage a child to stop biting fingernails?

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   ChitrangadaSharanposted 12 years ago

   It may sound a bit disgusting and funny---I am sorry for that.
   1. Cut the nails of all family members, put it in a plate and serve  him. If the child is beyond five years, he would realize, what a dirty thing he is eating and would think twice before putting his fingers in his mouth.
   2. If the child is small, you may apply something bitter on his nails/ fingers, so that he stops taking it in his mouth.
   3. For older children, try explaining them the dangers of nails entering their  digestive system.
   4. Tell them, no one would like to shake hands with them, because of their bad habits.
   Good luck!

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      samnashyposted 12 years agoin reply to this

      I am laughing out loud at No 1. I've never heard that, but reckon that will be the cure. Thanks )))))))

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      ChitrangadaSharanposted 12 years agoin reply to this

      Thanks samnashy, for liking my answer. Have a good day.

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      deby2debposted 12 years agoin reply to this

      I was thinking at something bitter on his nails tooo

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   loveofnightposted 12 years ago

   I have found that in dealing with older children (like my daughter) talking to them on a level that they could really relate works. I told my daughter that not only was it unattractive and a nasty habit, it revealed things to people that we don't always want them to know. I told her that it was a sign of insecurity, nervousness or even doubt . I also stated that when and if she ever goes on a job interview that her hands would be one of those things that the employer would look at and maybe make a judgement call ( no matter how small) on. From that conversation she saw it as allowing someone to peek into your personal being and started grooming her nails instead. I am not saying that I am completely right in the information that I gave her but it worked.

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      samnashyposted 12 years agoin reply to this

      Thanks for that. May work once my son's a bit older & he refuses to eat his plate of nails,

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   Deepak Chaturvediposted 12 years ago

   Just apply something harmless but sour or bitter in taste on the tips of his nails so whenever he tries to chew the nails he has to encounter with the bad taste.

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      samnashyposted 12 years agoin reply to this

      Thanks Deepak,

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   beadreamer247posted 12 years ago

   Applying something on the nails, hardly ever works, especially for older kids. They go to the bathroom and wash it off. Usually there is a reason behind it and yes, it is definitely unattractive!
   I bit my fingernails and actually taught myself to stop it! It was my own willingness and desire to stop. It worked! I never ever did it again.
   I believe therefore it is a mental readiness and willingness to overcome it, that makes it possible. I also don't believe others telling you how they dislike it matters less, it is about yourself - and I am sure your kids don't like the look of it either. So approach them by making them self aware of the appearance of it. They change if they feel there is a need and have the courage and power to do so. It has to come from their mind and point of view.
   Some do the biting unconsciously, and never are fully aware of the appearance, but by making them think about it, they might become aware.
   
   I am personally disgusted by the suggestion of putting fingernails on a plate! It is offensive and won't receive a good reaction from your kid, plus eventually a damaged relationship. They might feel that you are making fun of them or something like that. I find it totally inappropriate!

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      samnashyposted 12 years agoin reply to this

      Thanks for your advice. I think the finger nails on the plate was 'tongue in cheek', my 6 yr old laughed his head off when I told him about it. If kids are in a happy loving relationship I think most would see the funny side too.

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      beadreamer247posted 12 years agoin reply to this

      samnashy, sorry, but I could not even bring myself to do it...and I feel there are more appropriate ways of dealing with it.

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