Why does an 8-year-old have unusual habits like rubbing nipple and sucking lips?

Question

Hello doctor,

My 8-year-old daughter will not stop pulling or rubbing her nipple and sucking on her bottom lip. I have an 8-year-old daughter who started to pull or rub her left nipple when she was five years old. A couple of years later, she started sucking on her bottom lip. I always found this behavior strange, and I told her to stop and shout at her to make her see it was not good because she would do it in front of the family members at home, but she has not stopped it. She does this in her sleep as well. Could you please help by explaining why she is doing this?

Answer 1

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I read your query and understand your concern.

Thank you for sharing your concerns about your daughter's behaviors. It is understandable that you are worried. These behaviors, such as pulling or rubbing her nipple and sucking on her bottom lip can sometimes be considered self-soothing behaviors. While they may seem unusual, children often develop various coping mechanisms to deal with stress and discomfort or even just to help them focus or fall asleep. The following are the possible causes of her behavior:

1. Stress or anxiety: Children may engage in these behaviors as a way to cope with stress or anxiety.

2. Comfort: It could simply be a comforting mechanism for her, especially if she does it in her sleep.

3. Habitual behavior: Over time, these behaviors can become habitual, meaning she may do them without even realizing it.

4. Sensory needs: Some children have heightened sensory needs and find certain repetitive behaviors soothing.

Please get back to me with these tips for managing such behaviors.

Regards.