| Show THUMB SUCKING THUMB SUCKING GOOD OR BAD DAD If there is one thing that will bring a young mother and the grandma close to blows it is their views on thumb thumb sucking Here the Catholic Digest states is the fruit of research on the subject Many arguments can be advanced advanced advanced ad ad- in favor of thumb suck ing You hear for instance that babies who suck their thumbs are more content fall asleep more easily cry less This means a more relaxed family But Dut much more important is the simple fact that a baby who sucks his thumb does so because he needs the sucking Originally the infant seeks out his thumb because his basic need to suck has not been fully satisfied satisfied satis satis- fied fled at his regular feedings But after a year a change takes place in the nature of his suck suck- ing He turns to his thumb for comfort rt when he is tired bored or fearful Is this then the time to crack crackdown crackdown crackdown down on the habit Most experts say No because the need still is an authentic one Children like adults experience normal tensions Adults may smoke chew gum overeat drink or bite their fingernails to ease ten ten- sion For the same reason some children suck their thumbs Thumb-sucking Thumb tends to push the baby teeth out of line liue but most pediatricians feel that the permanent teeth generally are not unless thumb suck affected the ing continues on If it disappears by age six it is not likely to be bea a problem And ordinarily suppressive suppressive sup sup- measures by parents dont don't work Threats nagging and physical restraints tend only to increase the childs child's need for his comfort and thus prolong the habit |
