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Parent24 : Experts : Anne Cawood : 3.Answered : three year old & dummies

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Anne Cawood

Anne is an experienced registered social worker, involved in developing and presenting workshops on a host of parenting topics. Read More...

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Question

Posted by: Mrs. Donny Templeton on 21 April 2009

Hi Anne My three year old daughter is crazy about her dummies and although I try to minimize the times she has them, like going out or while she plays etc, she will constantly ask me for them. And gets upset if she doesn't get them. Will she outgrow it? If not, then what steps can I take to change this habit? In saying that I'd rather she suck the dummies than a thumb! Thanks, Donny

Answer

This is quite a common problem. She will certainly outgrow it - you don't see many 6 year olds going to Grade 1 with their dummies!

The best way to slowly help her to do without this "crutch" is to do just what you are already doing ie put boundaries around the times she is allowed to have the dummies.

Be very firm - yet gentle and understanding at the same time. "I know you really want your dummy, but when we go shopping, we leave them at home" You may have to tolerate her pleas and crying at times - but she will gradually learn that you do really mean it when you tell her she cant have them.

They are useful as pacifiers- and, at 3 years old, still necessary at those times of emotional need. It would be too traumatic to take them away too harshly or suddenly.

Good luck.