Chewing on objects is a common behavior in children that can be frustrating for parents and teachers. Whether it’s the corner of a book, a pencil, or clothes, children seem to find anything and everything to chew on. But why do they do it, and how can we help them stop?
Understanding the reasons behind a child’s chewing behavior is key to finding effective strategies to address it. Some children chew on objects as a way to provide calming sensory input. Chewing can help regulate their nervous system and provide a calming effect. Others chew out of boredom, as a habit when they don’t have anything else to occupy their hands or mouth.
For some children, chewing is a self-soothing behavior that helps reduce feelings of stress or anxiety. It can provide a physical distraction from anxious thoughts or feelings. Additionally, some children may have a strong urge to put things in their mouth due to an oral fixation, which can be a result of high levels of stress or anxiety.
It is important to note that chewing on non-food items is more common in younger children and is a normal part of exploration and oral development. Most children outgrow this behavior by the age of 2 or 3. However, if the behavior persists or becomes excessive, it may be necessary to intervene to prevent harm to the child’s health.
Key Takeaways:
- Chewing on objects is a common behavior in children.
- It can be a way for children to provide calming sensory input or cope with stress and anxiety.
- Chewing can also be a habit developed out of boredom.
- Most children outgrow this behavior by the age of 2 or 3.
- If the behavior persists or becomes excessive, it may be necessary to seek professional help.
Understanding the Reasons Behind Chewing Behavior
Chewing behavior in children can have various underlying reasons, including sensory needs, boredom, oral fixation, and pica.
Sensory needs: Chewing can provide calming sensory input for some children, helping regulate the nervous system.
Boredom: Chewing can be a habit developed out of boredom when a child doesn’t have anything else to occupy their hands or mouth.
Calming: Chewing can be a self-soothing behavior that helps reduce feelings of stress or anxiety.
Oral fixation: Some children have a strong urge to put things in their mouth due to an oral fixation, often as a result of high levels of stress or anxiety.
Pica: Pica is a disorder characterized by a persistent need to chew and eat non-food items. It is important to seek medical advice if a child is showing signs of pica.
Age considerations: Chewing on non-food items is more common in younger children and is a normal part of exploration and oral development. Most children outgrow this behavior by the age of 2 or 3.
Understanding the Sensory Needs
For some children, chewing provides a calming sensory experience. When they chew on objects, it helps regulate their nervous system, allowing them to feel more grounded and at ease. It’s a way for them to cope with overstimulation and find a sense of comfort.
Boredom as a Trigger
In some cases, children may resort to chewing on objects out of sheer boredom. When they don’t have enough stimulation or activities to engage in, they may turn to chewing as a way to occupy themselves. By finding ways to keep their minds and hands busy, this habit can be redirected and replaced with healthier alternatives.
The Role of Calming Behavior
Chewing can also serve as a self-soothing behavior for children. It helps reduce feelings of stress or anxiety by creating a physical distraction. By focusing on chewing, they can temporarily divert their attention from anxious thoughts or emotions, bringing a sense of relief.
The Influence of Oral Fixation
In some cases, an oral fixation can drive a child’s chewing behavior. They may have a strong urge to put objects in their mouth due to heightened stress or anxiety levels. Addressing the underlying factors contributing to the oral fixation can play a crucial role in reducing the chewing habit.
Understanding Pica
Pica is a disorder characterized by an intense desire to chew and eat non-food items. It goes beyond typical chewing behaviors and requires medical attention. If a child exhibits signs of pica, such as persistently chewing on inappropriate objects or ingesting non-edible substances, it is essential to seek professional guidance to ensure their well-being.
Age Considerations
Chewing on non-food objects is more prevalent in younger children, typically as part of their natural exploration and oral development. As they grow and develop better control over their oral sensations, this behavior tends to diminish. Most children outgrow this chewing habit by the age of 2 or 3.
Strategies to Help Children Stop Chewing on Things
Understanding the reasons behind a child’s chewing behavior is crucial in implementing effective strategies to address and manage it. By identifying triggers and providing alternative options, parents and teachers can support children in redirecting their behavior and developing healthier habits.
Understand the triggers: Observing the child’s behavior can help identify patterns and triggers for their chewing habit. It may be related to certain situations, emotions, or sensory stimuli. Taking note of these triggers can guide the development of appropriate interventions.
Explain healthy options: Clearly communicating to the child that chewing on objects is not safe is essential. Provide alternative options and explain why it is important to choose safe alternatives. Using social stories or visual reminders can reinforce the desired behavior and motivate the child to make healthier choices.
Redirect the behavior: Provide safe alternatives for the child to chew on. This can include chewable jewelry, food-safe straws, crunchy foods like carrots or apple slices, or sugar-free gum. By redirecting their chewing behavior to these alternatives, children can satisfy their sensory needs in a safe and appropriate manner.
Reinforce positive behavior: Celebrate and reward the child when they choose safe alternatives to chew on. Positive reinforcement, such as praise, small rewards, or a sticker chart, can motivate the child to continue making healthier choices. This helps create a positive association with the desired behavior, making it more likely to be repeated.
Involve a healthcare provider: If the chewing behavior persists despite interventions or is causing harm to the child’s health, it is important to seek advice from a healthcare provider or mental health professional. They can provide further guidance and support to address any underlying issues contributing to the behavior.
By implementing these strategies and involving healthcare professionals when necessary, parents and teachers can effectively support children in overcoming their chewing habits and promoting their overall well-being.
Safe Alternatives for Chewing
| Chewable Options | Description |
|---|---|
| Chewable Jewelry | Necklaces or bracelets specifically designed for chewing. |
| Food-Safe Straws | Sturdy, non-toxic straws that can provide a satisfying chewing experience. |
| Crunchy Foods | Carrots, celery, apple slices, or other crunchy foods offer a safer chewing alternative. |
| Sugar-Free Gum | Gum that is safe for children to chew and helps fulfill their sensory needs. |
DIY Sensory Hacks for Kids that Chew
Are you looking for creative and cost-effective ways to provide chewable alternatives for kids who have a habit of chewing on objects? Look no further! We have some fantastic DIY sensory hacks that can help redirect their chewing behavior.
Clear Plastic Tubing Necklace
One simple and effective DIY hack is to use clear plastic tubing to create a chewable necklace. You can easily find clear plastic tubing at your local hardware store. Cut the tubing into the desired length, making sure it’s safe for the child to wear comfortably. Thread it with a sturdy string or ribbon, and voila! You have a customizable and chewable necklace that the child can enjoy.
Keychains as Chewable Alternatives
Another easy and affordable option is to repurpose simple keychains as chewable alternatives. You can attach different textured and visually appealing objects to the keychain, such as silicone beads, wooden rings, or soft fabric knots. These chewable keychains provide sensory stimulation while serving as a safe alternative for the child to chew on.
Chewing Gum as a Safe Option
Chewing gum can be a fantastic option, especially for older children who frequently chew. Opt for sugar-free chewing gum that is safe for children’s oral health. Establish clear rules around using gum, such as proper disposal and no bubble blowing. Chewing gum provides oral sensory input and can help redirect the chewing behavior onto a safe and socially acceptable alternative.
Breathing Exercises and Oral Sensory Input
Teaching children breathing exercises can help them calm down and regulate their nervous system, reducing the need for chewing. Encourage deep breaths and provide visual cues, such as bubbles or a toothbrush, to promote deep breathing. Blowing bubbles or brushing their teeth can also provide oral sensory input, satisfying their oral fixation in a safe manner.
Conclusion
Understanding and managing child chewing behavior is essential for their overall well-being. Chewing can arise from various reasons, such as sensory needs, boredom, oral fixation, and pica. By identifying these underlying reasons, parents and teachers can implement effective strategies to address and manage the behavior.
Providing safe alternatives for chewing, redirecting the behavior, and reinforcing positive changes can help children overcome their chewing habits. This can include using chewable jewelry or food-safe straws as substitutes for non-food objects. Celebrating and rewarding the child when they choose safe alternatives can further encourage the desired behavior.
However, if the chewing behavior persists or poses harm to the child’s health, it is important to involve healthcare professionals or mental health experts for additional support and guidance. They can provide further evaluation, guidance, and interventions to manage the behavior effectively.
Approaching child chewing behavior management with empathy, understanding, and patience is crucial for supporting the child’s well-being. By addressing the underlying reasons, providing alternatives, and seeking professional help when needed, parents and teachers can create an environment that promotes safer and healthier chewing habits for children.
FAQ
What are some reasons behind a child’s chewing behavior?
Chewing behavior in children can stem from various reasons, including sensory needs, boredom, oral fixation, and pica.
How can I help my child stop chewing on things?
Understanding the reasons behind the behavior is crucial in implementing strategies to address and manage it effectively. By providing safe alternatives for chewing, redirecting the behavior, and reinforcing positive behavior changes, parents and teachers can help children overcome their chewing habits.
When should I involve a healthcare provider?
In cases where the chewing behavior persists or causes harm to the child’s health, it is important to involve a healthcare provider or mental health professional for further support and guidance.
What are some DIY sensory hacks for children who chew?
DIY sensory hacks can be a cost-effective way to provide children with chewable alternatives. Some options include using clear plastic tubing from the hardware store to create a DIY chewable necklace, using simple keychains as chewable alternatives, or allowing older children to chew sugar-free gum under established rules.
Why is understanding the reasons behind the chewing behavior important?
Approaching the behavior with empathy and understanding can contribute to the overall well-being of the child. Understanding the reasons behind a child’s chewing behavior can help in implementing effective strategies to address it.
