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Thumb sucking Help

A fun, effective way to address thumb sucking in children

Thumb sucking is very common in childhood. It provides children with a sense of security and comfort, subsequently some will have difficulty in giving up the thumb sucking habit and will need some assistance from parents. If the thumb sucking persists it can be a difficult habit to break. If you are concerned, it is important to remember that the key to addressing the thumb sucking habit is to have the child want to stop, without pressure.

 The Little Bear who Sucked his Thumb is a book directed at children, for children. The book has been written and illustrated by Dr Dragan Antolos, an experienced dentist with a special interest in thumb sucking habits in children. He deals first-hand in management of dental, social, and functional problems which can arise with persistent thumb sucking. The book and chart are a non-invasive and effective strategy for stopping thumb sucking, and have received positive support from psychiatrists, speech pathologists, and pedodontic societies. He is very mindful that parents and practitioners should not place pressure on children to stop as this is only met with resistance and can entrench the problem.

Dr Dragan Antolos, "It is important to balance the psychological benefits of thumb sucking with the negative impact it has on developing, permanent teeth. If you read books to your child, and your child is a thumb sucker, The Little Bear who Sucked his Thumb is a book you should have. The child will relate to the story and it will deliver a positive message without pressure. The book empowers parents to pro-actively encourage their child to stop sucking on their own terms, when they are ready. I am totally against unremoveable restraining aids placed on children's thumbs to forcefully prevent children thumb sucking, especially in young toddlers. If your child is a thumb sucker between the ages of two and seven, then The Little Bear who Sucked his Thumb is a simple, inexpensive and effective way to help your child address the habit."

As seen on
'What's Good For You'
winner of 'Most Popular Lifestyle Program' for 2007

 

 

If you have a specific question regarding thumb sucking, or simply have a story you would like to share, email Dr Antolos at dragan@oliverthebear.com.

 

“The Little Bear who Sucked his Thumb is a wonderful story which can be read by or to all young children who suck their fingers or thumbs …. I very much enjoyed reading this book."
Professor Michael Woods, Department of Orthodontics, Melbourne University, Australia.

 

 

To purchase

The Little Bear Who Sucked His Thumb
 

please click here.



 

 

DO'S and DON'TS

DO'S

  • Do be encouraging

  • Do praise any small achievements

  • Do offer an incentive or present to motivate the child

  • Do record their achievements on a chart or book

  • Do keep it fun and interactive

  • Do use aids - such as bandaids, paint-on potions or guards, if the child is happy to use them

  • Do provide a secure and loving environment

DON'TS

  • Do not nag or put pressure on the child to stop sucking

  • Do not fuss or make it a big issue

  • Do not use interceptive devices if the child does not want to stop

  • Do not worry, or be overly concerned

Good luck!