4
"Ask Dr. Ansari"
Child Psychologist
Dr. Ansari
Q: My toddler won't stop
sucking his lower lip.
What can I do to stop
him from doing that?
Noelle Saylor, New York
A: Hi Noelle, this is a
natural response, for a
toddler or even a young child, to a new environment or a change in their life. It is a coping mechanism. However, this could lead to dental issues in the long-term. It could cause blood to clot around the teeth in the gums, which is the state of "occlusion". The lip sucking would damage the lip tissue, and the overall oral health would be affected. To help your toddler overcome this habit, I would suggest to not repeatedly chastise him whenever he sucks his lip. I would gently advise him not to do so and hug him, offering some positive reinforcement like a privilege if he stops momentarily. If he appears to be under stress, shift his focus to positive things that would uplift him and distract him from the stress. He is just a toddler, and this problem will subside soon enough.
Q: My three-year-old doesn't like to talk to other children too much. She would rather play with her toys in the corner while every other kid is playing beside each other. Is this healthy?
Zakariya Nouman, Toronto
A: Hello Zakariya, do not worry. She is three years of age, and at this stage of life, her social development is not nearly as refined as you think it should be. She is perfectly healthy. In fact, many children at this age only communicate as well as they can to their parents, not other kids. Her social skills will grow along with her, so take it one step at a time.