Not quite 2yo biting nails

[Anonymous]

My 22 month old has been biting his nails for a month or two. Maybe coinciding with having our 2nd DS when he was 19 months. I have tried ignoring it hoping it would pass and have gently said oh you’re biting your nails - do you need mommy to cut them? At first they were just short and it seemed like no harm but now they are progressively getting shorter past the natural nail bed. I’m worried this could be anxiety! I’m also worried it will continue forever. Is there anything I can do? Anyone BTDT?

[Anonymous]

That's pretty unusual. What about painting his nails?

[Anonymous]

My toddler (3) started this a few months ago and I know exactly why, it's because she sees ME doing it. I am a pretty easygoing parent but this is one thing where I get on her right away to stop because it is such a hard, hard habit to break once it's ingrained. It's seriously the single biggest thing I wish my own parents had really cracked down on when I was little. Yes, anxiety almost certainly plays a role. I have anxiety and can see it in my toddler. But there are other outlets for anxiety like fidgeting, hair twirling, than the nail biting which is such a terrible habit.

Anyway, me and DH saying gently but firmly, "NO nail biting" whenever we see her doing it, and taking her hand away from her mouth if necessary, seems to be working. She also seems to enjoy turning around and saying, "NO, Mommy!" to me when I unconsciously do it, so perhaps a silver lining will be that my kid can do for me what my parents and I myself have not been able to, LOL.

Painting nails might work but I will say for me as a kid, all that would happen is the minute it chipped it would drive me nuts and I'd work away at it. I have probably ingested bottles of nail polish in my lifetime. (Sorry, I know that's gross.) I think distraction is key especially at that young age.

[Anonymous]

Could be part of stimming, a form of regulating themselves. My son is HFA and stims by biting his nails and having his hands in his mouth, he's 2.5.

[Anonymous]

Only ignore behavior they're doing for attention. Nail biting is self soothing and feels good on its own.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Could be part of stimming, a form of regulating themselves. My son is HFA and stims by biting his nails and having his hands in his mouth, he's 2.5.

Not op but my DS does both these. 3 years old. Never suspected autism, should I be worried?