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The Dangers of Bad Habits in Children

Kids develop Negative Behavioural Patterns/ Bad Habits at a tender age. While some negative behaviour and habits disappear over time, others tend to stick and require some efforts to get rid of them. These unfortunate & annoying habits may taint your child's normal mental and physical development.


 Understanding Habits
As Parents/Guardians, it is essential that we encourage our kids to get rid of these undesirable habits as early as possible. It is true that they are irritating and annoying, however we need to first understand why our kids are doing them. Most often bad habits are formed when a child is stressed, bored, tired, frustrated, unhappy, insecure or falling asleep. They are calming and soothing to the child.

 Dos and Don'ts
Managing them can be difficult, however, in general, you should overlook them because most times they are just "phases" and the child outgrows them. Yelling, pointing it out, blaming, shaming or punishing your child does not stop it, it may make it worse. Patience, compliments, rewards & praises are more likely to work. Sometimes bad habits are developed to attract attention; kids know a particular behaviour annoy a parent, and they may feel that negative attention is better than none. If you figure out that's what is going on, just ignore the behaviour.

 Common Bad Habits
  • Nose Picking: it is the most common habit among children & adults. the child removes the contents of the nose with his fingers and wipes it at places or even eats it. It is not a socially acceptable behaviour. Speak to them about it, you can advice them to use a tissue or do it in a private place.
  • Thumb & Finger Sucking: children may develop this habit in the first few months of life, it has a calming, soothing effect, helps them fall asleep. If habit persists, the child must be involved in activities that require the hands.
  • Teeth Grinding: children from 6 months to 5 years may grind or clench their teeth, mainly in their sleep. They outgrow it eventually.
  • Nail biting or chewing: many children bite their nails when they are feeling insecure, anxious or nervous. Also, from watching a parent who has the same bad habit. Ensure their nails are cut really short so they don't get a grip of nails to bite.
  • Hair Pulling: children below 5 years may pull or twist their hair when bored, tired or relaxed. It's most common in girls. They usually outgrow it after a while.
  • Head Banging: when a child hits his/her head continuously on a solid object such as the crib. These behaviors are often harmless, but can be worrisome. Talk to a pediatrician if it persists.
  • Masturbation: Playing with their genitals (private parts) fairly regularly, common in both girls and boys around ages 5-6. At this point, this act is not sexual or arousing. Do not make your child feel that he/she is doing something wrong so that he/she feels guilty. All you can do is distract them when they are in the verge of doing it at home.
  • Snacking a lot: some children have the habit of munching or nibbling something or the other whole day. As a result of which they do not feel hungry during meal times. Untimely snacking habits can lead to obesity in children. Set proper schedule for meals. Offer him/her snacks that are filling and nutritious and keep them away from junk food.
  • Using offensive or abusive languages: parents should avoid using offensive or abusive languages in front of their children because they learn from you. Children start using bad languages when they are upset or angry and they feel it's the right thing to do. You need to break this habit as early as possible.
  • Dishonesty/Lying: children start lying when they are afraid of being punished, afraid of disappointing their parents, due to societal pressure, when the rules at home are too strict or when mom and dad does it. It's advisable to avoid scolding them, instead tell them its wrong, show a good example and praise them when they tell the truth. 


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