Why do children bite their nails?

It happens that children of primary school age have a bad habit - gnawing their nails. According to statistics, pupils from 7 to 10 years are more likely to suffer from this. Although this habit is common among preschool children and even adults.

What consequences can there be if a child gnaws nails in his arms?

• First, from this on the fingers appear burrs and wounds, which are aching and open to germs, may even cause suppuration;
• Secondly, along with unclean hands and nails, dirt, pathogenic viruses can enter the mouth of the child, it can also provoke the appearance of worms;
• third, gnawed nails - it's ugly and untidy.

Let's think about why children bite their nails on their hands, and consider the main reasons for this:

1. The most common reason is psychological :

• a child can bite his legs from insecurity in his abilities. This explains why most children are affected by this habit, beginning with the school age, when assessments begin, you need to keep up on subjects, meet the expectations of teachers and parents, etc .;
• anxiety, even aggression and anger can be the cause of nibbled nails. Such feelings can arise if the family has a tense emotional situation: parents often swear, are too demanding of children, often use physical punishment for educational purposes, etc .; if there are problems in communicating with peers; if the child has escalated internal contradictions, etc .;

So, in order to decide how to wean this habit, you first need to understand why children are biting their nails on their hands. After that, you can decide on further actions.

What if the baby gnaws on the fingernails?

1. It should be said that it's not worth while to criticize and constantly make comments, it will not help. You need to have patience.
2. If the cause of a bad habit is psychological, then the longest work is to be done, because it is necessary to understand which question disturbs the child, what emotions cause and how to correct it. Sometimes even I have to turn to a therapist.
3. If this is a physiological problem, then it is necessary to replace the habit of gnawing the nails with another - taking care of them. Let the child always have a nail file with him. The girl can offer to make up nails and protect them.
4. If the child does not even notice how again pulling fingers in his mouth, you can come up with special signals that will be known only to you. For example, you will sneeze as soon as you notice the appropriate behavior, or scratch your nose, or stroke your child on the back.

In any case, it is important to draw the child's attention to the fact that this habit is harmful to health. Show that bitten nails look sloppy.