What can we do to help an (otherwise normal) 8 year old child to stop
habitual chewing on clothing (shirt).

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Request for Question Clarification by joseleon-ga on 14 Sep 2002 09:04 PDT

Hello, nebekers:
  In my research, I have found several sites that describe chewing on
clothing as a  symptom of another problems, I would like to know how
often has this habit, everyday, sometimes?

Be aware that the information we provide is not intended to substitute
for informed professional medical, psychiatric, psychological, tax,
legal, investment, accounting, or other professional advice.

Regards.

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Request for Question Clarification by mvguy-ga on 14 Sep 2002 11:03 PDT

Does the child just chew his/her collar, or does the child chew other
parts of the clothing as well?

Bad habits can be a great source of frustration for us parents who
strive for a well-adjusted and healthy child. You are not alone in the
struggle against clothes chewing and other bad habits. It is more
common than you probably think!

Start by explaining why it’s bad to engage in the behavior. You may
say that it ruins the clothing, which cost money to replace and that
therefore there will not be money left over for treats or something
special.

A star chart or similar reward system for not chewing on the clothes
may be a powerful re-enforcer. On a personal note I can tell you that
praise for obtaining from the bad behavior can be a great tool. “I’ve
noticed that you have been keeping your clothes out of your mouth for
the last 15 minutes. Great Job!”

Try to see if there is a pattern to the behavior. Perhaps it occurs
when tired, bored or hungry. If hungry offer a snack. If the child
seems bored provide an alternative to fiddle with and become occupied.

The behavior may also be due to stress so you may need to evaluate if
there is excessive stress on the child from academic or other
expectations and address these with reassurance, love and affection if
this seems to be a root cause.

Chewing clothes may also be a sign that molars are coming in. Chewing
gum may be of great help if this is the case.

Most of all try to keep in mind that this may very well be a temporary
bad habit that will probably run its course. Most kids pick up and
drop bad habits as a normal part of growing up.
 
Primary-Age Children: Breaking Bad Habits
Raising Kids
http://www.raisingkids.co.uk/4_9/pri_hr02.asp


If your child's behavior persists or involves chewing more than just
clothing you should consider a physicians evaluations since sometimes
this can be a sign of autism, Tourette Syndrome and even Down‘s
Syndrome. But please do not be alarmed! I only mention this because it
is one of many signs associated with these disorders. Clothes chewing
by itself in an otherwise normal child does not constitute a diagnosis
for any of these disorders and is most likely an annoying habit that
will be outgrown.

http://www.telusplanet.net/public/nremus/sensoryintegration.htm
http://www.kennedykrieger.org/familyreso/downsyndrome/dslashno.html
http://www.kennedykrieger.org/familyreso/downsyndrome/dslashno.html

Search terms: Clothes chewing behavior children
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I hope this information is helpful to you and that the bad habit will
soon run its course.

Regards,

Kinglouie

Dunno if that will work.. I'm 30+ and I still chew on my t-shirt :)