Drum Roll Please...

That thumb has been dry for 48 hours, people! 4-D-8!

Since finding her thumb at a couple weeks old, Isabelle has steadily become more devoted to thumb sucking. Now, at 4 and a half, I feel an urgency to get her out of the habit. The shape of her mouth has definitely changed, both thumbs are quite calloused, and I’m sure she’s putting every virus she contacts directly into her mouth. {{shudder}}

Tuesday, after talking to her once more about the effects of this habit, I painted her thumbs with Thums (a yucky-tasting nail coating). This didn’t work well in the past as she would just continue to suck her thumb until it was gone. (I told you she was devoted.) It’s been almost a year so I thought I’d give it one more shot and it seems to be helping this time. I’ve made sure she knows it serves as a reminder, not a punishment. That and lots of praise for withstanding the urge has really given her the desire to kick it. I know it’s especially hard for her not to do it in the car and when she’s going to sleep. She’s been doing so well! She hasn’t sucked her thumb since Tuesday when we put the Thums on! Woo-hoo!!! I’m so happy. :) Wish us luck.