Why is it such a problem? Get braces. Done.

I stopped in my teenage years because I was going to sleepovers and I had to learn to sleep without doing it. It’s a hard habit to break, but it can be done. But he has to want to do it. Maybe you could bribe him? Something big like help buying a car or something?

I sucked my finger until I was 15 and got braces. Without braces, I don't know if I would have ever stopped.

Anonymous wrote:OP: he only does it around the house, not out in public or around his friends.

It’s fine. My son is 18 and perfectly fine. In college, healthy, outgoing, loves basketball, has nice friends, perfect teeth. I wouldn’t worry.

OP: he only does it around the house, not out in public or around his friends.

A behavioral psychologist will help more than a psychiatrist. Or a hypnotist.

I did this until marriage. Went private sometime around middle school. For some reason I just stopped as an adult. I have straight teeth so from my perspective it didn't do too much harm. I would just encourage him to do it privately, if he's too public with it, since people might mock the behavior.

I think it would be a good idea to correct this behavior now. Taking him to see a mental health professional may help.

Have his friends said anything about this? Does he only do it when others aren't around?

I’m 49 and still suck my thumb, have straight teeth, and clear speech. Does he do it privately? I would never do it in public, but do do it at home when alone.

He won’t stop unless he’s ready to, no matter what you try, so don’t try to shame him for it, it will only backfire on you.

It’s not normal.

My late 50 year old sister still does this. Fix it now.

Its not normal. I sucked my fingers until college because it was a habit, and it helped me to sleep through the night. The only reason I stopped was because someone burst into my dorm room, caught me, and screamed down the hall, "She sucks her fingers." Lol. How embarrassing! I got scared straight and never did it again.

It's not normal.

Take him to see an Orthodontist. He needs a special retainer for thumb suckers.

If he's 16, he's not going to just stop on his own.

He probably needs a speech specialist and have the orthodontist align his teeth as well.

Take him to a psychiatrist. It’s a self-soothing behavior. Nothing to be ashamed of but it sounds like something is unresolved.

My sixteen years old son still sucks his thumb. I don't think this is normal, but correct me if I'm wrong. What do I do? Why does he do this?