
02/28/2025
Managing Frustration Over Finger or Thumb Sucking
It’s common for toddlers to feel frustrated when trying to stop finger or thumb sucking—it’s been their go-to comfort for so long! If your child gets upset when you discourage the habit, here’s how to support them through the transition.
✨ Validate Their Feelings – Instead of saying, “You don’t need to suck your thumb,” try, “I know it’s hard to stop, but I’m here to help.” Acknowledging their emotions makes them feel understood¹.
🗣 Give Them Words for Their Frustration – Your child might turn to finger or thumb sucking because they can’t express their feelings. Teaching simple phrases like “I feel nervous” or “I need a hug” helps them find new ways to cope².
👐 Provide Alternative Comforts – Instead of sucking their fingers or thumb, encourage deep breathing, gentle hand massages, or holding a small fidget toy to redirect the habit³.
🚫 Use a Proven Solution – Breaking the habit isn’t just about willpower—it’s about making it less satisfying. AeroThumb and AeroFinger allow air in through special vents, eliminating the suction that makes the habit so soothing⁴.
💛 Stay Patient and Consistent – Change takes time! Praise small wins and remind them that they’re learning a new way to soothe themselves⁵.
Has your toddler struggled with frustration over stopping? Share your experiences below! ⬇️
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Sources:
1. Siegel, D. J., & Bryson, T. P. (2012). The whole-brain child: 12 revolutionary strategies to nurture your child's developing mind
2. Shanker, S. (2016). Self-reg: How to help your child (and you) break the stress cycle and successfully engage with life
3. Gottman, J., & Declaire, J. (1997). Raising an emotionally intelligent child. Simon & Schuster.
4. American Academy of Pediatrics. (2018). Thumb sucking and pacifiers: A guide for parents.
5. Gopnik, A. (2016). The gardener and the carpenter: What the new science of child development tells us about the relationship between parents and children. Farrar, Straus and Giroux.