Son Bites His Shirt

My 7 year old son does the same thing. He actually ends up biting holes in the sleeves!! My husband and I took away his allownace for a few weeks and made him go out and buy a new shirt. So far it seems to have done the trick, he hasn't chewed them since.

Hi B.
My oldest son bit on his shirts for a while, too. He was a little older when he did it. He told me it was because he was teething. At this age, they are just starting to lose their baby teeth and getting in their permanent ones, so it makes sense. I have talked to lots of moms whose kids did this too. He has stopped on his own, but did it for about a year and a half. He chewed on the collar of his t-shirts and ruined quite a few shirts that way! I tried not to make too big of a deal about it (that is how I handle a lot of these "normal" phases).
Good luck! M.

I don't really have much suggestions but my 5 year old does the exact same thing, so you are not alone. We just keep trying to remind him not to do it when he starts. It's like a broken record. Sometimes I don't think he knows he is doing it until we say something.

I don't know if this helps or anything but maybe it's just something he's going thru. My husband did it as a kid, while he would watch tv, on the computer, etc... But to tell you the truth he still does it and he's 24 years old now. I still catch him sometimes and i tell him i don't care if he does it but i don't want the kids to pick up on his habit. Sorry I couldn't be much more help.

My nephew did this when he was little. As he got older he said it gave him energy. He grew out of it. I don't think its a big deal.

Did he just start doing this? Is he getting is 5 yr molars?
If so, try giving him a wash rag to chew on. Or sugarless gum :-)

When my now 6 year-old daughter was 4, she would constantly suck and chew on her sleeves and collar. It bothered me mostly because she'd do it so much there would be a hole in her sleeve. Her clothes looked awful since the material was ragged and stretched out. In addition to the messed up clothes, she developed a rash on her chin and around her mouth. I read everything I could to find suggestions on what to do to stop this behavior, but I ended up just waiting it out. After about 6 months, she simply stopped. MOstly, I think she got sick of the irritating rash and having cold, wet fabric rubbing against her skin. Give it time. If your son doesn't stop by the time he gets to 1st grade, maybe ask your pediatrician for advice.

I'm having the same problem with my six year old daughter. She used to bight her fingernails, but now she constantly chews on the sleeve of her shirts. I haven't decided what to do about it yet, but just wanted to let you know you're not the only one.

I have an 8 year old who does that. I have threatened to make him buy his own clothes. It seems to have cut the behavior in half.

Good luck

K.

I think he is so engolfed on what he is doing(comp, TV, playing) that he is actually thinking!!!!His mind is wondering!!!!I also think he is contiplating(spelling) something. I think you are right on when you say nervous. I would put him in a short sleeve shirt when in the house, and no shirt even sometimes if you can. He will have nothing to bite.

I really dont know what to say I have a 9 year old who does the same thing,I used to tell him that I would not buy him any new clothes he does it alot, his collar is constantly in his mouth so what I do is when I see him do it I let him know he is doing it he has gotten used to doing it. i hop eyou get some help if please let me know.

My oldest used to do this. He used to put holes in his shirts. It used to drive me crazy but ultimately I just decided not to worry about it. I tried giving him other things to chew on, but but he really wasn't interested. Some kids with sensory sensitivities will do this. You could try googling (don't be alarmed, this is just where the sites are) "sensory integration disorder," or "occupational therapy supplies," and they have catalogues where you can order things for kids who like to chew on stuff. Chewy tubes is what one of the products are called.

hey B.
no i have not went throw it but the gril next door to me daughter dose that,and it's like sucking the thum,may be they grow out of it .i have not seen the little gril much but when i do i have not seen her do it may be he would grow out of it .but ill ask my friend and see if her daughter still do it or what she did to stop .write me back to remind me .but ill put a note to my self to ask her.