Just recently our son started biting his his nails. We've always kept them short. How do we stop this? Is there a vitamin lacking from his diet that causes this?
I believe nail biting is a nervous habit at this age. My son did the same thing. He started just before his 2nd birthday. Our household was under alot of stress and I think he really felt it. He quit on his own.
I would look into issues of nerves and tiredness. Vit B complex, among other nutrients. Also is anyone in your household experiencing stress or a need to hurry or self criticism different than before?
D.
my son started about that age - i do believe even at that age it is habitual, he probably either saw somebody else do it, or there was a stressful time recently.
my son finally quit cold turkey when he was 6.
I'm sorry to say that this is an anxious habit and there's not much you can do about it. I did it off and on as a child, and my youngest child has as well (the "bite-no-more" polish did not work for us, at least not long term.) Whatever you do, don't make your son feel bad about it, it's VERY hard to control, and it will only make him feel ashamed. He may grow out of it, or it may come and go over the years.
Usually nail biting is a nervous type habit. I would ask your pediatrician how to get him to stop at this young of an age.
