Why do my kids eat their boogers??

Question

I NEVER did this as a kid!! what could they possibly taste like??

Answer 1

Sorry but EWWWW! My nephew used to do that and my mom put hot pepper on his fingers and that got him all crazy! He never did it AGAIN but i like the worms answer it is less drastic than my mother's approach!

Answer 2

never say never! it wasn't a habit for me, but after working with kids for 5 years, i'm more than sure i've had my share of grody moments!

kids stick all kids of things in their mouths. when babies are first learning about the world most of their information come from their mouths (toes fingers keys ect all go in the mouth... how does it feel, how does it taste, can i eat it?). remember that they don't have developed vision.

things in the mouth is how they communicate and receive info. it stands to reason that this "habit" would stay around for a while after infancy and toddlerhood.

kids don't know boogers are gross. they know they are salty, like tears. btw, i'd rather have a kid eat their boogers than wipe it on my furniture, which is the other kid option! :)

Answer 3

why do boys stick their hands down their pants and diapers?

why do girls always lift their dresses?

why do socially adjusted kids still have separation anxiety?

why do kids constantly put everything in their mouth?

it is not because they see it as food it is because that is how they learn.  

it is a social norm not to pick your nose and not to eat your boogers.  just think if we were allowed to!!!!  

let your kids know that it is kind of like picking scabs...icky and should just be left alone.

Answer 4

I'm not sure but some little kids find it interesting and they just want to know what they taste like. I would try to get them to stop because it's gross and it can become a habit. I hope this helped.

-Tara

Answer 5

It's just a strange phase a few kids go through. My little brother used to do that when he was younger :-P Just tell them that if they continue, they can get really sick (boogers are all the bacteria you nose hairs capture when you breathe in and out). And every time you see them doing it, be stern in telling them to stop because it's VERY gross and unhealthy. <best answer>

Answer 6

does it matter?  the attention you give the behavior just encourages it.  the good news is that the boogers contain more protein and sugar than regular junk food.

Answer 7

im not sure y but i actually asked my kids doctor and he said it is just a phase they grow out of it but there isnt an age when i have 4 kids and they all do it still. my kids r 12,10,7 and 5

Answer 8

I dont know why kids do this, but my bf's son is five and it grosses me out, so I told him if he continues to do this he will get worms in his stomach, then I showed him some pics of pinworms on the puter, he hasnt ate them since.