fingernail biting

My son, who is 11 years old, bites his nails.  He has done this for several years now.  He not only bites the nails, but the skin around the nails.  It looks horrible.  The skin at the tips of his fingers look like they have been put through a meat grinder.  We have tried the bad-tasting stuff, punishment, rewards, and NOTHING works.  He continues to do it.  We rarely see him do it, so he must do it at school and at other places.  What can we do to stop this disgusting habit? Or is there more to it?

[Kevin Kennedy, Ph.D.]

Dear Brent,

Habit patterns can be very difficult to alter - witness how hard it is for adults to stop habits such as smoking.

Often in children such patterns develop as ways to relieve tension. The habit thus serves a purpose for the child. Whether this is true for your son, of course, I can't say. But you would be helping him by having him evaluated by a pediatric mental health professional.

An important thing to consider as a parent is to try to respond to such habits with equanimity. I noticed you described the habit as disgusting. This word might convey some anger and upset on your part with the behavior. If so, try to take a look at that and see if you can eliminate the anger.

[Momof3beautifulboys]

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