Should we tell him not to do this?

Question

My 5 year old son started sucking his fingers lately not sure why. Well any way he has problems with his speech and has to see a speech therapist once a month. My husband tells him not to suck his fingers as it does not help his speech. Should we be telling him not to do this?

We also found out that he suffers from something called Dyspraxia so we don't like to tell him off.

Answer 1

I SUFFER FROM DYSPRAXIA TOO! It is not "something", it is a legittimate medical condition! But, don't be afraid to tell him off, dyspraxic's only suffer muslce tone and concertration problems. But it WILL NOT harm his health!

Answer 2

It's strange the things kids suddenly pick up.  My son was 6 in march and every time I look at him he has his fingers in his mouth.  I think he started it when his tooth was loose, and now it is just a habit.  I am constantly telling him to get his hands out of his mouth.  That is really all you can do.  Explain to him that his hands are dirty and he is putting the dirt in his mouth, then every time you see his hands in his mouth just calmly say "get your hands out of your mouth".  That is really all you can do.

Answer 3

I used to suck my thumb and bite my nails but I grew out of it. It's better to distract him than tell him off. I'm sure you already know that if you want to help his speech to read to him/with him, play word games like I spy, tell him silly tongue twisters and jokes. I don't know how much you have been told about dyspraxia but problems with speech is a recognised sign because people who have it find it harder to get their bodies to do what they want. It used to be known as being 'clumsy' because the messages that go from the brain to, say, the hand, feet, mouth, don't work as efficiently. It doesn't affect I.Q. but it is a recognised learning difficulty as it is harder to express oneself. Imagine trying to type with mittens on or speaking with a mouthful of water - not easy. I'd focus on what he does well and ignore the finger sucking which is probably a comfort thing. He'll stop when he's ready.

I was moaned at for sucking my thumb for ages by my mum and dad. It didn't make any difference until, I was about 7 or 8, my dentist said,

"Think of all the germs you're putting in your mouth each time you do that." I stopped just like that.

If you need more information about dyspraxia this might help

http://www.dyspraxiafoundation.org.uk/se...

also don't be afraid to discuss this or any other concerns you have with his speech therapist. She/he can advise you.

When it comes to being naughty don't be afraid to say no and to make sure he knows what is ok to do and what is not. All children need to learn boundaries.

I've spent 14 years teaching children with various learning difficulties including dyspraxia.