My six-year-old son has recently started chewing on everything - sheets, comforter, shirts, blankets - I even catch him chewing on his fingers sometimes. He's never done this before now. Any idea as to what this could be indicating?
Thanks to all of you for the good advice! We visited our pediatrician today for my son's six year well child exam and I expressed my concerns about the chewing. At first, she quesitoned things at school, etc. He did not seem to react in a way that made her think school was the problem, however, after more brainstorming, she asked if we'd recently lost any close friends, family or even pets. I hadn't even considered the fact that his grandparents' dog had died recently, about the same time the chewing began. She explained that that is the most likely cause for his chewing and that we should focus on talking to him about the dog's passing, rather than on helping him stop chewing. She said the chewing would eventually stop on its own!
Thanks again!
L.
Okay you might think I'm weird but I have a degree in Animal Science. So, my first thought is that he is missing some minerals in his diet. When an animal (who is natural in thinking and responds to his body's requests) starts chewing on wood and fences it is a sign that his body needs minerals. I may be off but look at your son's diet and evaluate if he is getting enough minerals.
This could be a medical condition that if left unassessed could lead to bowel problems in your child. If they are eating cotton fiber, the fibers can become bound together in the bowels (much like a cat's "fur ball"). Sometimes, these fiber balls do not pass through the bowels and cause infections. Please discuss this with your family doctor or pediatrition. Good luck!
girl let me tell you. I have a 3 year old and my youngest is 1 and a half. my youngest had been taked out of his crib and put in a toddler bed because he litterally took chunks out of the wood of his bed. He also eats his blankets peices of carpet and chews on everything. My doctor said that we just let it run its course but take everything possible for him to eat (besides food) away from him. It is gross and harmful if they get to much please respond if you need anymore help.
L., I'm not sure why he is chewing on his shirts, but my six year old has been chewing on shirt sleeves for the past few months, and even has ruined some of her cutest things! She even asked for a "chew toy" at Christmas. My inclincation, especially after reading the repsonses, is that she has some anxiety, and your son may, too. What about school? Audrey is in all-day kindergarten and does not seem to love it. I wonder if your son is anxious about something at school? I will be watching the responses with great interest...please comment if you find out anything especially from your doctor.
I thought of several things. Lots of children get teeth in around six so he could be doing it just like a baby chews of a teething ring. Other thoughts are anxiety, lack of some nutirtional need (like some women eating dirt while they are prgnant because of lack of potassium) and not to scare you but there are also mental health issues that can cause this type of behavior like obsessive compulsive disorder and an eating disorder called pica you can get more info on some reasons for this behavior at http://www.kidshealth.org/parent/emotions/behavior/pica.html It may be nothing like the teething thing but pica is considered a severe eating disorder and can be very harmful. I would check with your pediatrician and/or dentist to rule out problematic causes and talk with your son to see if anything in particular is bothering him. good luck and try not to worry too much until you know you have reason to as making a big deal out of it before it is really a problem could cause problems. Just take a deep breath and be proactive and things will turn out fine.
Could he be copying the 1 year old? That's my best suggestion. If you don't give your boys much attention when they chew on things, the six year old will stop and the 1 year old will grow out of it. Good luck!
My first inclination is that he is doing it due to anxiety. Have there been any events that would cause him stress recently? I think I would spend a little extra time with him talk to him about what may be stressing him out. Recent move, new school, dad deployed....It may just be his way of dealing with stress. Spend some extra time with him, make him feel secure. Any new people in his life? My six-year-old chews his nails when he is stressed but it seems like your son my be a little more stressed about something. Good luck
My son started the same thing when he was about 5 1/2. He mostly chewed his finger and shirts. I was constantly telling him to stop until my pediatrician pointed out that he was growing in his 6 year molars. She told me to leave him alone at least til after they are completely grown in, which can take some time. So you might look in his mouth and see if thats the case. If so it will stop before long. My son turned 6 in January and we're starting to see the habit fade away. Hope I was able to help.
