Chewing....EVERYTHING!

[Calluna]

Just did a quick Google and found this

My 6-year-old chews on everything! She chews on her clothes, hair, toys, even trash, such as small pieces of plastic, styrofoam, and paper. I’m not just worried about her, I'm also concerned about her 2-year-old sister who sees her doing this and imitates her. I've tried everything I can to stop this behavior, but she says she can't help herself. What's going on and what can we do about it?

I don't have the luxury of knowing your child's temperament or other habits, so I must ask you first to consider whether this behavior may be a sign of stress, or whether there are other compulsive habits as well. Has your child experienced any recent changes in her life that she may be having trouble coping with? Has this been going on a while? If you have doubts, then bring her into your pediatrician's office to address the larger picture.If your daughter is otherwise healthy and thriving, and this is an isolated habit -- like thumb-sucking or chewing on the ends of pencils -- then here are a few suggestions.
First, try to figure out if there is a pattern to why and when she is chewing. Is it when she is bored? Tired? Anxious? To get attention? If there are definite triggers, address them directly.
Second, although forbidding the behavior doesn't work (and often creates more anxiety), containing it is a fair step. Explain to her that it is unsightly, that it encourages your younger daughter to chew and brings a lot of germs into her body. If she still needs to chew, she must do so away from company, alone, in a quiet place in the house with no TV or computer. She then still stays in control of the decision, but has to decide whether it is worth it.
Last, offer her a substitute for the chewing behavior. Small dolls or objects she can rustle in her pocket, a safe chain or bracelet she can twist. See if she can transfer her needs to a more acceptable habit.

Another site suggested a zinc deficiency may be a contributing factor.

[*LittleMissSummer*]

Thank you

It's been something she has done since she could move around. So i put it down to teething, then when i posted i guess maybe a year ago it was said it was an age thing and it would pass so i'm not sure if there is a trigger. She was tired before so we have since put her to bed. I will try watch her closely. But usually the things are chewed when i am out of sight. Or when she thinks i am not looking.

I will bring the issue up next time i'm at the doctors.

eta - I used to chew my hair as a child which i know looking back was an anxiety thing. So i hope she hasn't inherited my anxiety issues

[ladybirdflies]

I would ask your Dr about it. Some kids need to chew and some grow out of it. You can buy 'chew' things for her, (please don't be offended, it is not supposed to sound like a dog toy) There is a little boy in my childs class who has to chew all the time, he has these little rubber toy around his neck and he munches away and doesn't destruct things around the house or school.

[Olive]

She could have sensory processing disorder (SPD) she may be sensory seeking, her thing is chewing/mouthing things. No amount of telling her to stop, will make her stop.

[*LittleMissSummer*]

I just did a google search and it does explain a fair few of her odd behaviours. I think a trip to the doctors is a must tomorrow.

[Calluna]

LMS best of luck hun.

[RainbowRiver]

Sounds like my eldest DD. She has what Olive mentioned. Hers is an oral sensory issue. Speaking with an OT will benefit greatly as they can offer different items that are specific to the disorder.