Curbing the Bad Habit of Nose Picking
Most kids are obsessed with their body parts -- especially holes like the nose, mouth, or ears -- yet picking can be a nuisance to parents, and embarrassing when done in public.
There are some health consequences to picking as well, such as trauma when a fingernail scratches the skin inside the nose, says pediatrician Ari Brown, M.D., author of "Toddler 411" and "Baby 411." Picking can also lead to impetigo, a skin infection around the nostrils.
While it's hard to control what your child does when he is sitting in his car seat or at naptime, you can try to limit this fascinating activity when you're around.
Always have tissues on hand and offer them up when your child starts to pick. Be consistent, but be low-key about it (paying it too much attention might encourage your child to pick to get a reaction). You can also put petroleum jelly in the lining of the nostrils to keep them moist and reduce the risk of nosebleeds -- and to act as a deterrent to curious little fingers!
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