Saturday, September 18, 2010

Thumb Sucking Suckers!




Hi all!!
So Brennan is a thumb sucker. Around 4 or 5 months old, he started sucking his thumb and it was a LIFE saver for us. He would self soothe in the middle of the night when he woke up or when he was upset and was a much happier camper once he found his thumb. My mom told me her happiest babies were her thumb suckers, and I trust my mom, so we didn't think anything of it.


Well, come to find out, it's kind of a controversial thing!! I had no idea! He's 18 months old now and sucks his thumb when he's riding in the car, riding in the stroller, watching cartoons or going to sleep. I've gotten quite a few comments about his thumb sucking and it's really surprised me. We were going through the Sonic drive thru earlier this week (tehehe, love that place) and the lady at the drive thru counter commented on him sucking his thumb. And then she told me "not to worry because she's 18 and still sucks her thumb". Oh boy. Apparently, people don't think kiddos should suck their thumb. . . that pacis are the only way to go since you can take it away.

So now I'm a little nervous. I'm wondering if we should start trying to get him off the thumb. I'm wondering, if your child was a thumb sucker, how did you wean them off and when? Are you a paci-all the way type of mom? Or are you laid back in this area like us?



I'm really not too worried about it, but I am curious.

In other news, we taught B how to say "yee-haw" and it is a never-ending source of laughter for us. I'll try to get video and post it on here. He's having a word explosion, repeating a ton of words and picking up a least one new word a day. So fun!!

Have a great Saturday!

11 comments:

Erin Morgan said...

we have paci kids. Penny didn't really want the paci at first and still plays with it. I thought that she might be more of a thumb sucker as she started that for a while, but it hasn't really caught on long term. I don't know... My sister was a thumb sucker and sucked her thumb up until she was a late teenager. My parents just taught her healthy boundaries for when she could and couldn't do it. Good luck on your quest!!

Meaghan said...

thumbs, schmumbs. this coming from a non-mom (HUGE qualifier to speak on this subject, I know), but if this is an issue WHAT isn't? it seems a little overboard that every single little parental choice is analyzed or judged. that said, whatever you choose, no big deal :) and i probably shouldn't have said anything given that you ARE generally laid back and you're just trying to be the best mom and get advice :)

Laine said...

I've had a paci baby, two thumb suckers and now a finger sucker we like variety over here! Evan threw his pacis away when he was 2 and that was the end of it. So much easier than trying to get Seth to stop sucking his thumb. Its just a hard habit for him to break. We're thinking of getting him a Thumb Buster (look it up on Amazon if you're interested) to help remind him not to suck. We've had a few comments but I smile politely and move on.

Lacey said...

My girls were paci babies, and they both threw their pacis away right before they turned two.

My boys are both thumb suckers. Caleb still sucks his thumb at age four, but ONLY when he's sleeping. I think it's much easier to break a child of the paci habit than the thumb habit, but I also think that my boys are going to turn out just as well as my girls.

Don't stress about it. Really. Brennan's still so young!

And Laine, I just looked up the Thumb Buster. Maybe we'll have to invest in that if Caleb keeps it up much longer!

Trisha said...

I don't have any advice, as both of mine don't suck paci's or their thumbs, and honestly there are times I wish they would! It would have made the night time so much easier :)

I have heard the thumb is harder to break, but he's still so little.

You just may have to pay a little extra for braces :)

Something the Lord told me this week was that "I am the best mom for O and Liv. I know them better than anyone." This means so much to me, b/c I have to always remember not to compare myself to other moms' or my kids with others.

You know B best, and you'll make the best decision for him!

Chaeli said...

Thanks girls! Now if I could only teach myself not to bristle up every time someone comments on the thumb.

Chaeli said...

And Meaghan, you are totally right. It does seem like every.single parental issue is judged! People in public should just keep their mouths closed, really. Moms don't need any other pressure than what they already put on themselves!

Jennifer said...

I agree with Trisha. You have to do what's best for Brennan and your family.

Katie said...

I don't have a thumb sucker yet, but I WAS a thumb sucker until preschool or so, and look how I turned out!!! ;)

You know that I'm a laid back type of mama, so I wouldn't worry too much if I were you. Also, I think what Meaghan said is brilliant. Everyone will judge no matter what you do, so just go with what works for you. The hardest part is keeping yourself from worrying about what others think- I have issues with this myself!

Erin Zubert said...

As long as you don't start sucking Brennan's thumb, I think he'll turn out just fine;)

C said...

I can see the argument that a paci is "better" since you can take it away...but, um, do they realize you don't get to choose whether your child will suck his thumb, prefer a paci, or do neither???
He's only 18 months old, so goodness, let him suck away!:)
I think the idea of setting boundaries when he's much older is fine if it bothers you, but if it soothes him, wonderful!
I suppose there's the issue of it messing up his teeth if he does it too long -- but I had a horrible underbite, and the orthodontist told my parents that it would have been better if I'd had a paci longer:)