Originally Posted by Willow:
It is no more abnormal than thumb sucking, tag rubbing, fuzzy picking, hair twirling or paci use is.
It's a self soothing/anxiety reducing behavior. I would never punish, shame or restrict a child for or from something like that.
If you feel the need to do something, ask the child if he needs a hug in those moments. Because that's all he is seeking and getting from doing what he's doing with the chewing. The chewelry is a great idea too. They do make fabric ones.
I agree. One of my kids did it. She still does it sometimes at 9. It's frustrating (especially since she's the biggest, so I need to pass down clothing and it's not fair to her sisters), but what can you do. She is not doing it on purpose. Do you punish kids who bite their nails or suck their thumbs also? I agree it's gross. Children are sometimes gross. It comes with the territory