biting nails & skin

[toby99]

Hi - Does anyone know a way of helping my eight year old daughter stop biting her nails and skin. She bites all the skin off her hands and finger tips, not just her nails! She is trying her best, but it is a habit and she doesn't know she is doing it. She usually does it in school or when she is nervous and they are in a very bad way. Thanks for any help and ideas.

[garlandk9]

i used to bite my nails but grew out of it. it just takes time.
hope this helps
keith!

[toby99]

Thanks Kieth, it is becoming a real problem as she chews all the skin on her finger tips and palms - I just don't know how to break the habit.

[gallapunk]

You can get that stuff to paint on their nails. Trouble is, some of them don't mind the taste, plus of course, as soon as they wash their hands, it has to be reapplied. But if she's keen to stop, she may be happy to reapply it each time anyway.

What about some incentives? Say take her ice skating (or whatever her little treat would be) each week that she stops, then if she stops for a month, take her to Alton Towers (or whatever bigger treat she'd like).

I guess that could become a bit expensive though. Do star systems still work with 8-year olds? Like they used to have in primary schools (don't know if they still do), but with a bigger award after a longer time.

Plus, of course, always encouragement - and perhaps some treats when goals are reached - from other family members is always a bonus.

Best of luck. It's a really tough one apparently. I've known several nail biters and they find it so hard. But I've also known several ex-nail biters, so it can be done.

[4getmenot]

I do that when I'm anxious, and the only way is basically to be stress free and I dont touch them or keep her hands busy, a hand held game. I have scarred thumbs now and it gets so bad sometimes I will do it till they bleed. I;d say she's got alot more on her mind than you think talk to her

[Lindylou]

One finger at a time! That's how I did it. Plus pretty nail polish.

[Ice.Maiden]

Nail biting can be a sign of anxiety - and that could be anything from not liking school for some reason, to hearing adult arguments. If you talk to your daughter and are convinced that there are no probs in this area, Lindy's answer sounds a good idea. Take your daughter shopping, and point out all the pretty nail polishes. Tell her that for every nail which she allows to grow, you'll let her put some on - and if she manages to grwo the lot, you'll treat her to a grown-up salon treatment. I'd say it'd be worth it!