My Child Sucking Her Thumb, What to Do?

10 October, 2019
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 received her PhD in psychology in 2000 and an MS in public health in 2009. Aisha worked as a Counselor/Psychologist for 12 years for Geneva B. Scruggs Community Health Care Center in New York. Aisha specializes in trauma, depression, anxiety, substance abuse, marriage/relationships issues, as well as community-cultural dynamics. She is certified in Restorative Justice/ Healing Circles, Conflict Resolution, Mediation, and is also a certified Life Coach. Aisha works at a Family Resource Center, and has a part-time practice in which she integrates healing and spirituality using a holistic approach. Aisha plans to open a holistic care counseling center for Muslims and others in the New York area in the future, in sha' Allah. Aisha is also a part of several organizations that advocate for social & food justice. In her spare time she enjoys her family, martial arts classes, Islamic studies as well as working on her book and spoken word projects.