Common Childhood Habits

IMPORTANT NOTICE: The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends exclusive breastfeeding for the first 6 months and continued breastfeeding for as long as possible. Growing up milks are formulated to meet nutrition needs of healthy young children older than 1 year and should not be fed to infants.

A habit is a loop of particular behavior that a child develops and repeats regularly, making it a constant and unconscious part of his daily life.

A child’s habit is usually a source of stress and frustration for parents, but it is nothing to be concerned about, as it will gradually fade over time.

Here are some of the most common habits of childhood:

• Finger sucking or thumb sucking
• Nail biting
• Hair twirling or pulling
• Nose picking
• Lip or cheek biting
• Head banging
• Body rocking
• Teeth grinding

A toddler might develop such habits to comfort himself when he’s anxious, or to entertain himself when he’s bored; or perhaps to imitate one of his parents.

But, sometimes, he might engage in weird and embarrassing habits for practical reasons, which means that he may start a habit because of a certain situation and keep going with it even after the situation no longer exists. Nose picking for example, can start as an attempt to clear a stuffy nose.

Like we said earlier, childhood habits are temporary and will clear up on their own over time. But, if you notice that your tot’s habit is keeping him from performing his daily activities, has become much more embarrassing, or is causing him harm, then it’s time to intervene and take action!

Read More: Tips On How To Teach Children Good Behavior