Got a Nose Picker? Try These Habit Stoppers Today

How to Keep Kids from Picking Their Nose? It is a question asked by every parent at some point. This information shoudl help!

It’s gross and disgusting, is a sign of terrible manners, and is discouraged in every household and school across the world. Yet still, kids do it. As soon as they gain finger control and realize that their fingers fit into their nose – they begin sticking their fingers (and other things) inside. Sadly, some kids do eat their boogers and commonly pick their nose at the first hint of stress in their life. The question is that obvious punishment and persistence toward the matter just don’t work in getting children to stop. So what does?

The best line of defense against a nose picker is to make them aware that they are doing it, each and every time they do it. When you catch them ‘digging for gold’ march them to wash their hands and gather a tissue. You don’t have to get excited about it, just remain very matter of factly. For most kids who pick their nose it is a nervous habit, much like a twitch that they don’t automatically realize they are doing. Bringing attention to it is an effective means of biofeedback that will work over time.

If your child is older, than it is time to discuss the ramifications of nose picking. Try to help them understand how quickly nose picking can spread germs throughout their body. At this point, they are able to understand that picking their nose can make them sick. Using hand sanitizer, because of its strong alcohol scent is a good way to ‘remind’ them that nose picking is not sanitary. When they stick their fingers in their nose, they will immediately smell the sanitizer.

If you notice that your child is a nervous nose picker – you need to find something else to replace the habit with. Get them something to hold on to so that they can fidget with that rather than their nose. Make them aware of what they are doing and most importantly, see it as a signal to talk to them about what might be bothering them. Often eliminating the stress can stop the habit. Using band-aids on their fingers can also serve as a discreet reminder to not nose pick.

As our children get older, have faith that the nose picking will stop. Teachers and other children will be much less tolerant than you are. As the embarrassment factor sets in, your child will have a first hand reminder that they shouldn’t nose pick. No child wants to get teased for doing so, or worse – caught with a booger on their finger while in school.
Nose picking is not just limited to children. Plenty of adults pick their nose as well – behind tinted windows or in the privacy of their own home. While it may be natural – it really should be discouraged. Many things such as MRSA, an easily be transmitted and caught by a child who picks their nose and doesn’t practice diligent hand washing (which you know they don’t!) No matter what – by the time your child is a teenager you will be off and worrying about much bigger things.