4 year old with fingers constantly in mouth!

[Cricket]

Thanks so much for the replies ladies. I really hadn't considered replacing the fingers with something else. Great suggestion! Choosing something might be a bit of a challenge, but I'll see what I can come up with. The finger thing has really got to stop though, I think. I'm going to try some of the nail biting stuff, and see how we go with that. If it really seems to make her unable to cope, then we'll maybe have to reconsider, but I'm going to give it a shot anyways.
I wonder if it would be wise to give her something to help her calm down. It seems like it might be a good solution. I am a little concerned though, with giving her a "medication" for stress at 4 years old! I am trying to teach her to manage her feelings, somewhat, ie. help her realize that she CAN settle down, that she CAN take some deep breaths, and say "i'm OK", and just not freak out about things that don't go her way. Do you think she would learn how to cope with her "panicky" feelings on her own if I give her that stuff? Or would she always depend on it? Maybe I'll ask around and see what options there are - maybe at the health food store, otherwise.

If anyone has more ideas, especially for things for her to try to replace that comfort, I'd love to hear them!

[CrystalBoo]

Hi Cricket
Both the Brauer's and the Rescue Remedy are natural and don't mask the anxiety like a drug, but help you to deal with stress a bit better. Definitely it is a good idea to talk to someone at a health shop and you will probably find both of these products in a large health store if you have one handy. Another idea for worrying fingers would be one of those squishy balls that you can get, filled with oozy stuff IYKWIM? I think she would be old enough for something like that to keep her hands busy.

[CrystalBoo]

Oh, and you've probably already done it, but just in case, I would google child anxiety and you may find tips on how to teach her to deal with things herself. The internet knows everything

[Misskylie]

Burn some Aromatherpy scents around the house, lavender oil in the clothes washing, lavender oil under her pillow case, and even sparying a little on your daughter. It worked for my friends daughter who had severe anxiety as a little one

Aromatherapy Scents for Anxiety/Stress:

Bergamot: Fresh scent with a mix of citrus and floral notes
Lavender: Fresh sweet and floral scent.
Patchouli: Pungent and rich woody smell.
Ylang-Ylang: A mixture of floral, sweet, and fruity notes.
Jasmine: A warm and exotic floral.
Juniper Berry: Pungent sweet, crisp smell with fruity hints.
Geranium: Fresh floral scent with sweet and fruity notes.
Chamomile: Sweet and fruity.
Hyssop: Fresh and fruity with woody and sweet notes.
Clary Sage: Pungent earthy scent with a slight fruitiness.