Habits we all have them. Our children are no different. Do you remember your childhood habits? Maybe you carried around a special blanket, a stuffed animal, or if you were like my neighbor, an old worn-out pillowcase. Maybe you sucked your thumb or finger? The time we, as parents, begin to worry about habits is when they interfere with our children's daily activities or cause physical or emotional harm.

Your child is not alone. Do you know? You can help your child stop thumb sucking in various ways.

According to the Dental Association, 15% of children aged 4 years sucking their thumbs. As a state ADA, sucking can cause problems with improper growth of the mouth and teeth alignment. It can also cause changes in the roof of the mouth. The intensity of the sucking is a factor that determines whether or not dental problems may result.

If you're like most parents of children thumb-sucking, you worry about what and when to do something about it. You wonder if you should ignore it and hope he grows out of it quickly or face it head and take action. If it seems appropriate to take action, you are also wondering when the right time for your child to stop sucking their thumbs?

As a mother, I also have all of the questions, fears, and doubts. I also wonder if I even have to address the issue at all – one mother told me not to worry, assured me that it was just a phase and will pass.