#asktheexperts my son is keeping hair and finger simultaneously in mouth,It became habit for him,pls suggest a solution.
2.He is not eating food without TV

Question

Accepted Answer

Habits like putting hair and fingers in the mouth, along with eating only while watching TV, can be challenging but manageable with consistent strategies. Here are some suggestions to help address these issues:

### Addressing the Habit of Putting Hair and Fingers in Mouth

1. **Distraction and Redirection**:
   - **Offer Alternatives**: Provide your child with safe, engaging toys or teething rings to hold and chew on instead of his hair or fingers.
   - **Engage in Activities**: Encourage activities that keep his hands busy, such as drawing, building blocks, or playing with sensory toys.

2. **Create a Routine**:
   - **Establish Consistent Times**: Develop a consistent daily routine that includes scheduled times for activities, meals, and quiet time to help reduce the urge to engage in the habit.

3. **Positive Reinforcement**:
   - **Praise and Reward**: Praise your child when he avoids the habit or replaces it with a positive behavior. Consider using a reward system to encourage progress.

4. **Addressing Stress or Anxiety**:
   - **Comfort and Reassurance**: If the habit seems related to stress or anxiety, offer extra comfort and reassurance. Talk to your child about their feelings and provide a calm environment.

5. **Consult a Professional**:
   - **Behavioral Therapy**: If the habit persists or seems severe, consider consulting a pediatrician or child psychologist for additional strategies and support.

### Managing Eating Habits with TV

1. **Gradual Transition**:
   - **Reduce TV Time Gradually**: Slowly decrease the amount of time your child watches TV during meals. Start by turning off the TV for a few minutes at a time and gradually increase the duration.

2. **Create a Positive Mealtime Environment**:
   - **Family Meals**: Eat together as a family at the table to model good eating habits and make mealtimes more engaging.
   - **Distraction-Free Eating**: Establish mealtime as a screen-free zone to encourage focus on food and social interaction.

3. **Involve Your Child in Meals**:
   - **Meal Preparation**: Let your child help with meal preparation or setting the table to increase their interest in eating.
   - **Choice and Participation**: Offer choices for meals and snacks to give your child a sense of control and involvement.

4. **Healthy and Appealing Meals**:
   - **Variety and Presentation**: Serve a variety of foods in an appealing way to make mealtimes more enjoyable. Use colorful plates and fun shapes to make the food visually attractive.

5. **Establish a Routine**:
   - **Regular Meal Times**: Set regular meal and snack times to help establish a routine and encourage better eating habits.

By implementing these strategies consistently, you can help your child develop healthier habits and create a more positive mealtime experience. If you have ongoing concerns, consider seeking advice from a pediatrician or child development specialist.

#asktheexperts my son is keeping hair and finger simultaneously in mouth,It became habit for him,pls suggest a solution. 2.He is not eating food without TV