DS 5yo still sucks thumb, won't blow nose

[captivates]

My son has sucked his thumb forever, and even though it's only when falling asleep now, it has become a problem during allergy season. See, he won't blow his nose. Like, at all. He insists on wiping only. I've threatened, instructed, educated - all I can do. I have ended up pinning him down on the bed and using a nasal aspirator to get some of the snot. Since most of it runs down his throat, he always develops a nasty cough. And because he only wipes, his upper lip is solid red and bloody from day 1. I give him garlic regularly to build his immune system and keep him from getting infections, so bronchitis has not been a concern. However, at night, he tries to suck his thumb and breathe through his mouth - at the same time. It leads to long nights of night terrors, croupy coughs, bloody noses, and a tired family.

He quit sucking his thumb, making a conscious effort, after his tooth extraction. Once it healed, he went right back. He can blow his nose - he just won't. He'd rather wipe it on his shirt, or use a dozen tissues to wipe once. What's the best way to fight both fronts - the habit and nose-blowing resistence?

[momof2littles]

My secret weapon: m&ms! My kids will do ANYTHING for one or two m&ms.

[tallanvor]

No idea. My 5 yr old is the same way. I can't get her to stop sucking her thumb, nor can I get her to blow her nose. She will wipe it or just sniffle repeatedly. I didn't have this issue with the older two, so not sure where to go with her. I haven't tried putting anything nasty tasting on her thumb, though I've thought about it. I saw some thumb shields at the dentist office, but they are about $40 and I don't really want to shell out the money for it.

[wordmama]

My kid's hate tissues, but will use a hankie or cloth wipe. Maybe try that.

For thumb sucking, the only thing that's worked for us is tea tree oil painted on the thumb. It's a taste reminder when that thumb abstractly slides in, but one that actually has health benefits.

Sent from my iPhone using DS Forum

[tallanvor]

Originally Posted by wordmama My kid's hate tissues, but will use a hankie or cloth wipe. Maybe try that. For thumb sucking, the only thing that's worked for us is tea tree oil painted on the thumb. It's a taste reminder when that thumb abstractly slides in, but one that actually has health benefits. Sent from my iPhone using DS Forum

Yeah, I thought about painting my daughter's thumb with apple cider vinegar, since it doesn't taste good, but is certainly okay for her to ingest.

[jjordan]

I would pay good money if someone could teach my kids (almost 6, and almost 4) to blow their noses.

Sorry, I'm no help!

[MJLViper]

Originally Posted by jjordan I would pay good money if someone could teach my kids (almost 6, and almost 4) to blow their noses. Sorry, I'm no help!

My 6 year olds just mastered this, thanks to their teacher lol!

[my2sweets]

My 4.5 has recently! started refusing to blow her nose! Drives me nuts. She learned how when she was 2 and did it w/o complaint up until a couole months ago. Now she just sniffles-which has became a problem during swim class with taking proper breaths and also sucking up pool water up her nose I really need to find some local honey for her allergies!!