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My Child Sucking Her Thumb, What to Do?

08 May, 2021
Q As-Salamu 'Alaykum. I've a daughter of 2 years old who has been sucking her right thumb finger. I don't know how to stop her. She removes her finger whenever I tell her to do so, but continues sucking it after few minutes.

Answer

As-salamu alaykum,

Thumb sucking is common is children. While many parents do not like it, it is often a habit, children drop as they grow older. Kind reminders are helpful, although they may also serve to reinforce the habit as children may start associating thumb sucking with parental interaction.

I would kindly suggest sister that at this age, you do not make a big deal of it and reward her with little things when she is not sucking her thumb. Also when she is sucking her thumb replace her thumb-sucking with a soft toy or favorite blanket as thumb-sucking is often a way children self-sooth or relax themselves.

The less you make a big deal about it, the sooner she will forget about this habit and transition out of this habit.

My Child Sucking Her Thumb, What to Do?- About Islam

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About Aisha Mohammad
Aisha has a PhD in psychology, an MS in public health and a PsyD. Aisha worked as a Counselor/Psychologist for 12 years at Geneva B. Scruggs Community Health Care Center in New York. She has worked with clients with mental health issues such as anxiety, depression, panic disorder, trauma, and OCD. She also facilitated support groups and provided specialized services for victims of domestic violence, HIV positive individuals, as well youth/teen issues. Aisha is certified in Mindfulness, Trauma Informed Care, Behavioral Management, Restorative Justice/ Healing Circles, Conflict Resolution, Mediation, and Confidentiality & Security. Aisha is also a Certified Life Coach, and Relationship Workshop facilitator. Aisha has a part-time Life Coaching practice in which she integrates the educational concepts of stress reduction, mindfulness, introspection, empowerment, self love and acceptance and spirituality to create a holistic healing journey for clients. Aisha is also a part of several organizations that advocates for prisoner rights/reentry, social & food justice, as well as advocating for an end to oppression & racism. In her spare time, Aisha enjoys her family, photography, nature, martial arts classes, Islamic studies, volunteering/charity work, as well as working on her book and spoken word projects.