Thumb Sucking

[Anonymous]

I hate it! There I said it, er...well, typed it.

I am not sure if it is the social stigma placed on thumb sucking that is at the root of my distaste but regardless it is a habit that drives me crazy!

I am a nanny with 2 preschool aged charges, both are boys. When I began working with the family DS1, age 1year, was already a thumb sucker and it was intense. He would stop playing so his thumb would be free to suck. When DS2 came I tried a pacifier and he was never a thumb sucker. I know it is probably bad to feel this way but I was so happy he took to the pacifier. DS1 is now 4 and is still an intense thumb sucker and it really bothers me. I know it is not my decision when he stops and I won't push it until his mother decided it is time but secretly it drives me crazy! I feel bad even typing this. I love the family and am happy in my position so it's not an issue to make me leave I just wanted to vent. Maybe if I confess to MB that I hate it I will feel better?

Anyone else hate thumb sucking or another benign habit that your charges have?

[Anonymous]

I don't mind thumb/finger sucking, but yes...as far as oral health goes, pacifiers are best.

I wouldn't say anything to MB, personally.

[Anonymous]

There's nothing you can do OP.
I sucked my thumb until I was 15. The day I stopped was the day I got braces...
He'll probably stop sucking it in the daytime when he goes to school.
Why does it bother you so much?