• With a pacifier you can decide when to “pull that plug”, not so with fingers.
  • By preschool age we can instruct them there are times and places where finger sucking is appropriate.
  • Tell them it is ok to do it, but it is something they do in private.
  • Most will give up the habit by age six, others will do it when alone.
  • If there is no room available for private sucking, avoid the nag and be gentle.
  • Give them the choice to stop – but do not engage in power struggle.
  • Use positive reinforcement like sticker charts to motivate your child.