Parenting is often a process of course-correcting. You give your child space to explore and make decisions, then help them along the way when they falter. One of the ways children often falter is by picking up nasty habits. From nose picking to complaining, these horrendous habits your child should break will remind you what it takes to keep your child in a good place for growth.
Nose Picking
Nose picking is an extremely common but undoubtedly unsettling habit. Children of all ages may pick it up at one time or another. Sometimes, kids start nose picking because of a mucus buildup or because they are bored.
There is a social stigma attached to the habit. Helping your child stop will reduce the risk that they get bullied. But there is also the risk of infection if they continue to scratch the inside of their nose.
Thumb Sucking
Much like nose picking, thumb sucking is a habit that carries an intensely negative social stigma. If your kid does not stop sucking their thumb or fingers by age four, you should intervene. Among the reasons why your child should not suck their thumb, perhaps the most important is to protect their teeth. When a child sucks their thumb too far into their development, they may give themselves an overbite or underbite. It can cost a lot of money to get these problems corrected by an orthodontist, so it is best to end the habit before it creates a serious issue.
Excessive Screen Time
Among the horrendous habits your child should break is excessive screen time, which is a relatively new problem. Our connection to constant passive entertainment can affect our brains in ways we cannot even imagine. Small children that are just understanding what to make of the world around them may stunt their learning if they spend too much time on a screen.
Complaining
Children may pick up a habit of compulsively complaining if they wish to avoid something. If school is particularly difficult, if they do not want to see a fellow kid, or if they do not like a certain kind of food, they may complain to prevent exposure to the discomfort. By talking to your child about what is at the heart of their gripes, you can help them through their troubles.
