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Expert Q&A
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| By Elizabeth Pantley Child Behavior Expert Better Beginnings, Inc. | ||
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My 5-year-old still uses a pacifier. What should I do?
Using a pacifier is used to relieve anxiety and bring comfort. Repeated often enough, it also becomes a habit. With a specific plan, you can help your daughter stop relying on her pacifier. Here are a few ideas:
- Nagging or reprimanding your daughter won't stop the habit, and may, in fact, make it worse. Talk with your daughter and explain the reasons you'd like her to stop. Talk to her about her feelings. Show her via a mirror or a demonstration what the habitual action looks like to others. Once your child becomes more aware of the habit, she'll be more willing to try to stop. Don't just assume she would like to quit! Once she has agreed to make an effort your encouragement and consistent, gentle reminders will do more good than nagging or embarrassing her. Keep in mind that even if she is trying to stop the habit, it's difficult, and you'll need patience to see her through this.
- It may be helpful to substitute a different "lovely" in place of her pacifier. Does she have a favorite stuffed animal or blanket? Would it help to create a new bedtime routine -- perhaps you can listen to music or read a bedtime story or help her relax with a foot rub or back massage. Once your daughter has broken the pattern of using her pacifier to fall asleep, it will no longer be automatic for her to reach for it as she goes to bed at night.
- Set up an incentive for abstaining. Agree to a specified time period that she will give up her pacifier. Plan a "big girl" party with a present and cake and ice cream. Help her understand that this is a big step in growing up!
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