Confession time. Now, most of my friends have noticed it, and undoubtedly, my family is aware….my daughter still sucks her thumb. Yes, she’s 6. Yes, she really shouldn’t be doing it anymore. And believe me, we’ve tried. But maybe not as hard as we could.
I can’t even remember how long we’ve been trying to get her to stop, but it’s been quite a long time. Of course, I pulled the whole ‘the other kids on the bus probably shouldn’t see you sucking your thumb, sweetie. They might make fun.’ So, she didn’t suck her thumb on the bus.
I’ve tried taking the blankie away, which surprisingly does work a little. The blankie is pretty much the trigger for her to stick her thumb in her mouth. But the mom in me still feels guilty when I take the blankie or say anything…she’s my baby. My only baby. How long will she be this little? Not long. But I know it’s time to stop. It’s difficult for both of us.
Along with obvious dental issues, I’m getting even more anxious because she is starting to be invited to sleepovers at her friends. Her cousins know all about her secret, so it’s not an issue there, but she almost missed her first sleepover at a classmate’s house because of it. It just makes me sad that she wasn’t sure if she wanted to go because she didn’t want her friends to know. She did end up going, but told me she slept facing the closet the whole night (haha) so I don’t really know if she sucked her thumb or not.
So, we’ve started a new plan of attack a few weeks ago and it seems to be working fairly well. Along with nighttime, she seems to do it most when we’re in the car. Doesn’t matter if it’s a short ride to school or a 2-hour drive to Columbus. So, initially she was sucking her thumb before school, after I picked her up from the sitter, and when she went to sleep. (She doesn't do it at school or at the sitters, thank goodness.) Oh, also have to include Friday movie nights or anytime she watches TV for an extended amount of time. For every morning she doesn’t succumb, she gets a sticker on her calendar. Same for after I pick her up from the sitter. Not much happening in the bedtime department (I can’t sleep without doing it, Mom!) yet. But so far, she’s only missed getting 2 stickers a day about 3 days, and those were the weekends. I’m proud of her, and she gets excited about putting on the stickers.
Now I just have to come up with the reward of all rewards when this finally comes to an end!
(Ok, just noticed our picture gives our secret away anyways..hahaha)
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
2 comments:
I'm such a pushover with that kind of stuff! My son is 5 and as soon as we walk in the door, he takes off AL his clothes except his boxers. I know I should probably make him stay dressed, but like you said he's my baby! Well you said "she" but you know what I mean ;o) It took me a long time to take away his binky and get him to sleep in his own bed. He slept with us up until a few months before school started..OOPS! you're doing a great job! Keep it up!
Um, I sucked my thumb until I was...oh jeez...old. Probably 10 or 11. Seriously. I remember being 6/7 going going to sleepovers, I'd hide under my covers and suck my thumb and it killed me not to have my blankie. As I got older I'd only do it at home, even when my parents thought I'd quit.
Aiden never picked up that habit but I'd be a pushover, I know I would be.
They're already growing up too fast, you don't want to push it :(
Post a Comment