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David Decides About Thumbsucking

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David Decides About Thumbsucking
A Story For Children
A Guide For Parents By Susan Heitler

David's Decision

"We taped the socks around my wrists so I wouldn't pull them off while I was sleeping. I reminded Dad every night to help me put on the socks. I kept the tape next to my bed so we wouldn't forget. The socks made my hands sweaty, but they did keep my thumbs out of my mouth. And in the morning if I still had the socks on my hands, I knew I had made it the whole night. No Thumbs.

"Then I felt great and ran to show Mom and Dad."

"Did you earn the thirty stars?" I asked.

"Yes! Mom and Dad surprised me with a treat after the first star. After I had earned five stars, they let me stay up late one night to celebrate. After thirty stars, we went to the toy store and I picked out a model airplane," Michael said proudly.

Hearing my sister and brother talk about their Thumbsucking made me think. Maybe, just maybe, I might want to stop that habit too.

I went to the mirror in my bathroom. The mirror is tall and I can see all of myself in it.

I am getting big.

I looked at my thumb, and then put it in my mouth. The thumb felt good, but I looked silly. My thumb in my mouth made me look like a baby.

I looked closely at my teeth, thinking if I stop sucking my thumb, stop it real soon, maybe my teeth will stay just the way they are now.

I thought; and looked in the mirror; and thought some more.

My thumb does make me feel good, but do I really need it?

That's it. I've decided. I am going to learn to keep my thumb out of my mouth!

I wonder how long it will take before I don't even want my thumb.

No! I don't care how long it takes. I've decided. Starting today, no more thumbsucking!

Tell me, do you suck your thumb? If you want to stop, maybe this book can give you some ideas. Maybe your mom or dad can help. Mostly though it's up to you.

I know I am ending my thumb habit. Do you want to join me? We can do it!