If you don't hear from us on Wed February 17th, 2010--we will be in detox. Assuming we all come through this detox, we will be back in touch asap!!!!
If you have been around my kids any length of time (ok, maybe only close friends and family for S) you will catch onto the fact that they all suck their fingers. Each a little different from the other, but not thumbs, not blankets, not pacifiers-- but fingers. I have no idea why they all do this maybe we should sign up for a research study...anyway, the habit has continued for S into now development of permanent teeth. As you can imagine this has done quite a number on her bite and alignment of her jaw and teeth. After unsuccessfully trying rewards, incentives, manicures, bitter nail polish, and constant nagging we have finally come to the realization that our efforts are futile. We are now going for the big price tag deterrent called a "habit guard".
She will be getting this appliance on Wednesday Feb, 17th. Along with a fancy price tag, it will come complete with prongs that will stick her fingers when she tries to put them in her mouth. I am sure it will also stick her tongue when she tries to talk, make it difficult to eat, and just be quite annoying altogether. I am anticipating A LOT of drama as she adjusts to the habit guard. In support of S and her new appliance (and our pocket book for the future)I have made the decision to try and stop the finger sucking habit for all the kids. The younger ones will have the bitter polish--I am hoping that will be incentive enough for them??? I figure they should all try and stop together, just like for a smoker or drinker--when trying to stop the habit it is difficult to be around those who partake in the habit...so I figure if they all try and stop together, maybe they will all be more successful!
Maybe we should consider Celebrate Recovery?
Anyway, there may be a grumpy crew in the Ardis household for a couple of days while we are detoxing--Mom and Dad included!!! I will keep an update of our progress, maybe within a couple of weeks fingers sucking will be a thing of the past!!!
2 comments:
Awww Mandy, I have always noticed this about your kids!!! I thought it was cute but I can see where it has obviously become a huge problem. Poor S, I hope they all come out ok!! I'm sure they will!! I remember when we were at the mall that day and E would take a bite of food then put 2 or 3 fingers in his mouth!! Hehe!! I miss you girly!! Did you know that Patti and Terri are transferring to Cobb?
I don't think I've ever noticed this about your kids! Tyler started biting his fingernails last August or Sept. and finally last week we were able to actually trim his fingernails. He was so excited. We tried the bitter nail polish but it didn't phase him. He also likes to chew on socks he's taken off and his shirt sleeves. He's gradually gotten better. My mom promised him a trip to Chuck E. Cheese if he quit. I think I better remind her! Hope the new guard is helping!
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