Scientific explanation of the problem
In the scientific world, the habit of gnawing on the nails was called "onychophagy." According to statistics, this problem appears in children older than 3 years. At the same time, half of the children have this habit in the adolescent period, and even when they grow up. Serious harm to human health, it does not cause, but there is a risk of inflammation of the peri-ogive skin surfaces and a number of infectious diseases.
According to the opinion of the majority of doctors, onophagia in children is manifested as a result of psychological trauma, which can lead to any stressful situations, for example, constant quarrels in the family, divorce of parents or conflicts with peers. As a result, as soon as a person has a feeling of excitement or experience, he begins to gnaw his nails. In this case, the child is underestimated self-esteem, emotional stiffness, and to such impartial actions he resorts to get rid of his fears.
According to the teachings of the psychoanalyst Sigmund Freud, as a result of the early weaning of the child from the mother's breast, or forcibly taking a pacifier from him, can lead to feelings of insecurity. It is the arms of the mother and the attachment to the chest that cause the baby's association of peace and joy. Thus, "through the mouth" he tries to relieve the psychological stress, nibbling his nails, sucking his fingers, all in a row seizing his "grief". At an older age, to combat anxiety, a person can choose alcohol or other means.
Methods of fighting onychophagy
Before you get rid of this addiction, you should find out the reasons for its appearance. To do this, you need to catch the moment when the child begins to put his hands in his mouth. Such a moment can be watching a scary movie, attending school classes, or an upcoming performance in a kindergarten on a matinee. Such situations are complete and it is necessary to consider each case individually.
First of all, you need to begin work to rid the child of feelings of fear and loneliness. To do this, you need to shorten the time it is in front of the TV, entertain it with games, read a book with the child. This will help reduce the likelihood of the baby showing aggression and violent emotions. It is important to teach the child to switch their attention and relax. This will help normal exercise, as well as breathing exercises, helping to relieve tension. In no case can the child be scolded and rebuked, the child can even more deeply within itself to become locked up. If the situation is particularly difficult, it is better to contact a child psychologist.
A very effective method of combating onychophagy is the folk method, when fingernails and fingertips are greased with mustard or red hot pepper. Not a very pleasant way, and you need to know the measure, because such ingredients can cause irritation of the oral mucosa. But it is possible to resort to a lacquer specially developed by pharmacists, designed to combat the problem of nail biting, both in children and adults. This varnish is applied to the nails and has a very sharp taste, while it also saturates the nails with vitamins, strengthening them. Also, when the child starts to gnaw the nails, you can give him a toy in his hands, thus distracting him from the bad habit.
Parents of the baby should show by their example how to take care of nails and hands. You can play with the child in the game "Do a manicure": parents show and tell the child how to trim their nails, so they are beautiful. This method will be effective, both with girls and with boys. Encouraging, affectionate words and hugs will help to give the child a sense of security and calmness, and as a result, there will be no reason for restless states and fears, which leads to bad habits.