10 Bad Habits in Children and How to Break Them

It is necessary to check bad habits in children on time. Read on to learn about 10 bad habits in children and how to break them as well.Habit is something that a child does repeatedly without even being aware of it. Some of the bad habits are quite common and can be seen in many kids. Such bad habits must be broken in the early childhood itself.Almost every child develops one or more bad habit at very tender age. Some of these habits are tend to fade with age, but most of them should be checked in time so that proper and healthy development of your child becomes possible. It is observed that most of the bad habits develop when children try to do something to escape boredom or stress. So, keeping the environment safe and calm at home is important.Here are 10 common bad habits of childhood and some proven and helpful strategies to implement instead of simply waiting for your little one to get rid of them with time. In this articleNose PickingHair PullingBinge EatingSpending Too Much Time on CouchThumb SuckingTouching Private PartsNail BitingLip Chewing or LickingTeeth GrindingUttering Lie Often1. Nose PickingChildren put their finger inside the nose often. They either eat the contents or wipe them on anything that they find near them. Most parents find this very embarrassing and cannot remain neutral about this. However, using the words ‘yuck’ or ‘don’t’ would only make things worse. Wash your child’s hand every time you see her picking her nose or offer her tissue to wipe. Explain to her that why nose picking is a bad habit and how she can break it.2. Hair PullingChildren tend to pull their hair while sucking thumb. The best way to deal with this habit is to ignore and concentrate on the habit that accompanies this one. You can also talk to your child and divert her attention.3. Binge EatingNowadays due to easy availability of snacks, many children get the bad habit of eating something or the other even if they are not hungry. Replace snacks with fruits or salad and motivate your child to eat only when she is hungry.4. Spending Too Much Time on CouchMany children prefer watching TV when they are at home. Limit screen time and stick to the rule you make.5. Thumb SuckingThis is one of the habits that need to be checked as early as possible. Offer your pre-schooler opportunities to stay occupied and let her be creative while playing.6. Touching Private PartsThis bad habit is really embarrassing for parents. Instead of reacting negatively, teach your child the names of the body parts. Distract your child when she does this in public.7. Nail BitingChildren bite their nails when they are nervous, bored or absorbed in something especially during watching TV. Keep your child’s nails clean, trimmed and tell her to use stress ball when she feels like biting her nails or give her something to keep her hands busy.8. Lip Chewing or LickingUsually licking or biting lips start when the child has cracked lips. Apply lip balm liberally throughout the day. Apply it during bedtime so that overnight healing is done.9. Teeth GrindingUsually this habit occurs when children are asleep. No proper cause is known till date. Criticising or scolding your child after waking up will not help because probably she is unaware of that. Pay attention to proper dental care.10. Uttering Lie OftenNormally this habit starts to escape punishment and scolding. Avoid scolding or punishing your child. Talk in humble and sober manner and reward her when she speaks truth.Most of the bad habits develop due to stress or boredom. Try to maintain a good and friendly atmosphere inside home and reduce stress from your child’s life. Lots of praise and emotional support at the time of stress will help her get relieved. Make bedtime pleasant and relaxing as well as check if your expectations are adding to your child’s stress.Which are the common bad habits in children? What are the ways to break bad habits in children? Why is it necessary to break bad habits on time? Discuss here.