How To
Wean Your Child From The Pacifier
Nu-Nu,
Binky, Paci or Chomp, the day will come when your child and their trusty
mouth-pleaser will have to go their separate ways. Oh, what a day it will be.
You may be extremely elated at even the idea of saying farewell to that beat up
old thing called a pacifier. But, weaning your child from the pacifier could be
a real challenge, both physically and emotionally.
Let's be
honest, you and your child had a love for the pacifier from birth most likely.
The pacifier meant that your child could get comfort and fulfill his or her
desire to constantly suck. For you, the pacifier meant that you didn't have to
be the pacifier, if you were nursing your baby, and that there was something
that could calm your baby down when they seemed to get the most frantic. That
little silicone miracle worker helped both of you to enjoy many restful nights.
Now, that your baby is no longer a baby, it is no longer working the miracles
that it did before and you want it gone. It has also become, for many, an
embarrassment, as they get the stares from people who constantly are showing
their disapproval of this big child sucking on this pacifier and questioning
your parenting ability.
Your
ability to effectively parent has very little to do with this dilemma.
Physically, it is annoying keeping up with this thing. If it gets loss, you
have to go on an army-style mission to find it. Emotionally, your child's
attachment to it makes you question their social development and their ability
to deal with life's problems without it. Truth is, it is best for your child's
teeth and overall well-being that they let the pacifier go.
Here are
a few ways to wean your child from that silicon mouthpiece:
1. Ask
them to discard it. Before you get hysterical about it, explain that your child
is getting "big" and that big boys and girls don't need or use
pacifiers.
2. Cut
it. Take it and cut little snips off of it until it is gone. This is a more
"progressive" way to facilitate detachment, but it can be very
effective.
3. Play
games such as telling them about a "pacifier fairy", distract them,
or hide the pacifier for extended periods of time until they forget about it.
4. Make a
point of reading stories to your child about a child outgrowing their pacifier.
Your child may relate and decide to let theirs go also.
5.
Discard it. It may seem a bit abrupt, but, going cold turkey could absolutely
work.
6.
Replace it with a more "big kid" toy.
7. Reward
them when they don't use it.
However
you decide to do it, saying goodbye to that little silicon crutch could mean
many restless nights for you and your child. But, take heart in knowing that it
won't be like forever. Remember to offer lots of comfort and support, as they
may experience some emotional distress. They will eventually outgrow this and
move on. Just think...how many adults do you see walking around with pacifiers
in their mouths?