Ditching the Binky

Last week we talked about helping your child to thumb sucking their thumb. This week we are going to talk about the Binky, paci or pacifier depending on what your family calls it. Just like thumb sucking, a pacifier helps babies find comfort. And just like thumb sucking, most kids will give up their binky’s on their own between the ages of 2 and 4.

But if your child is a little

Pop It
I wish I would have figured this out with my own children, But several pinholes in the pacifier. If your child can’t get suction on the binky, in many cases they will not be interested in it anymore. This can be a very successful way to break this habit.

The Binky Fairy or Other Helper
• Like the tooth fairy. Have your child put them under the pillow and replace them with some coins. In the morning you might have smiles instead of tears.
• Agree to give the binkys away to a new baby - Mail the binkys back to binky land or drop the binkys off at the doctors office

The Power of Positive Thinking
• Give lots of encouragement when the child puts down the Binky
• Reinforce the days a Binky isn’t use with small toys, or activities your child likes
• Make your child feel like a big girl or boy whenever the binky isn’t used
• Set a goal of being Binky free and stick to it

Breaking the Binky habit may be sad event at first but your child will soon realize that being Binky free is just part of growing up.

Sources:http://www.everydayhealth.com
http://www.associatedcontent.com/