We have tried to stop it (the yuck tasting nail polish) but it had no effect. He didn't seem to care. We have put plasters on them, but he just rips them off. Any advice on how to combat this?
Answer
In this counseling answer:
•Keep an eye on your son and keep a journal on when he bites his nails, are there any events which precede his nail-biting.
•By keeping a journal for a few weeks, you will also begin to find the root problem of his possible anxious behavior.
•You can help him curb his nail-biting by diverting his attention to another activity that involves his hands when he begins to bite his nails.
•Please do consult with his pediatrician.
As salamu alaykum,
Shokran for writing to us. While some nail-biting is normal in children, it appears your son has taken it to extremes and it is to the point of harming himself, even if just slightly.
Often times, excessive nailbiting can be the result of attention deficit disorder, anxiety disorder or it may be just a habit your child has gotten into to soothe himself.
Nervous Habit
The Baby Center states it is commonly a “nervous” habit that children engage in and it is often done unconsciously.
However, when access is denied (such as putting socks on the hands or plaster, nasty tasting nail polish) the child will find a way around it as you have seen.
In cases such as your son’s, I would kindly suggest sister that you consult with your child’s pediatrician about his condition.
I would inquire about his general health to ensure there are no underlying medical conditions which is causing this (which I am sure insha’Allah there are not), however, it is always best to rule out any underlying causes.
I would kindly suggest that you keep an eye on your son and keep a journal on when he bites his nails, are there any events which precede his nail-biting as well as his general emotional state before, during and after the nail-biting.
Also notating the number of times a day this occurs. This information will be helpful for the doctor in recommending treatment or referral.
Possible causes
Insha’Allah, by keeping a journal for a few weeks, you will also begin to find the root problem of his possible anxious behavior. For example, if his name biting increases when there is tension in the home that could be a possible cause. If it increases when he is about to get ready to go to a babysitter home, I would investigate this.
While these are just example scenarios, please do insha’Allah check out anything that correlates with his nail-biting.
Additionally, after you have kept a journal for a few weeks and ruled out any environmental factors, you can help him curb his nail-biting by diverting his attention to another activity that involves his hands when he begins to bite his nails.
Do not keep telling him to stop as this will only increase his anxiety and the nail-biting but rather praise him when he switches from nail-biting to an activity that you present to him. Persistence will be the key sister.
Check out this counseling video
Insha’Allah sister this is just a passing phase that he will outgrow, but please do consult with his pediatrician.
You are in our prayers, we wish you the best.
Salam
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