Your child grows up and becomes increasingly independent. There are things, however, that still stay with them. They even sometimes revert back to their babyish behavior and this can throw you for a loop. The good news is, there are simple tricks you can do to help your baby break the bad habits. After all, your goal is to have them grow up to be confident and happy. 

As babies, thumb-sucking is cute. It becomes increasingly odd to look at as they grow up, but sometimes, this becomes some form of comfort for them. It’s a habit a parent wouldn’t want to see last long. First of all, it is bad for their smile. The thumb can push the front teeth forward and up, causing them to stick up and form gaps. So how do you get rid of this? Gently point this habit out to your child as you see them put their thumb in their mouth. Make sure to remain calm all throughout, and never try to nag or belittle them. Since thumb-sucking is done for comfort, yelling will only make them feel tense and want to suck their thumb even more. Keep their hands busy instead. Reward systems also help a lot. They respond better when they see that their efforts will reap rewards. If all else fails, bandaging their thumb may just be enough to help them fight the urge. 

As for bedwetting, this can do a number on a child’s self-esteem. Not only is it difficult for them, but you also can get tired of constantly changing sheets. The quick fix? Child experts say that you shouldn’t make too much of a big deal. Even preschoolers don’t have the bladder control necessary to hold it all night. Moreover, they may still be too young to wake themselves up from a very deep sleep when they need to go. Still, you can cut down accidents by limiting the fluid intake at least two hours before their bedtime. Make sure they go to the potty before they lie down. Another good strategy would be to wake them up and have them use the bathroom.

Pexels Tara Winstead

Because babies aren’t as eloquent when it comes to expressing their feelings, they end up crying in order to get what they want. Unfortunately, when they get what they want every time they cry, they grow up to be whiners. Just imagine how annoying it is for others to hear it as well. As soon as they can start expressing their feelings, ignore them when they whine. Tell them that you don’t understand them and will only listen to them when they calm down. What’s most important is that you keep your sense of humor. Whine like they do and ask them how it is to hear someone talk that way. Make silly faces and use a funny voice. Remember, positive reinforcement still works better with children. As the adult, you need to teach them productive ways to express emotion. Do role playing and show them ways of handling different situations.

Powered by Froala Editor