Five ways to help children let go of their dummy
Many children are given dummies when they are babies, and often they still have these when they are toddlers. To children dummies are often used as a comforter. It can be hard trying to convince children to give these up, and often parents give in and give it back to them. The use of dummies can often cause speech difficulties in toddlers and children may need further with this later on.
5 top tips for helping children ditch the dummy
- Give it to the new baby – This can be a great opportunity for big brother or sister to give their dummies to their new little brother or sister. Parents can emphasise that new baby needs one.
- Putting the dummies on a dummy tree.- Children can hang their dummy on the tree, and a fairy will remove it leaving the child a present.
- Leaving dummies for Father Christmas/ Easter Bunny – Children can be encouraged to leave their dummies at certain times in the year, e.g at Christmas for Father Christmas or at Easter for the Easter Bunny.
- Exchange dummies for a toy or special treat – Why not ask the child what they would like instead of the dummy and if this is possible swap this for the dummy. Sometimes this can work as children are distracted by their new toy. However, it can be an issue if children rely on their dummies for bedtime.
- Leave it for the animals – There are many farms where you can go and leave dummies for the animals, e.g Piglets. Rabbits, Chicks. Many children are happy to tie their dummy to the railings of the pig pen for the piglets.
It may not be a good idea to remove the dummy if children are either, moving home, expecting a new baby brother or sister, or moving into a big boy bed. Some kids don’t like change, and often they will need their comforter as well as the reassurance from parents. When these events have passed, and children are more relaxed then maybe try ditching the dummy.