Ask Dr. Mona

Thumb-sucking is one of the earliest ways kids learn to soothe themselves. It’s calming, familiar, and often shows up during quiet moments like bedtime or when they're tired. The fact that your daughter is already doing it less often is a great sign that she’s gradually growing out of it on her own.

The most helpful shift at this age is to move from stopping the behavior to gently encouraging other forms of comfort. Instead of saying, “Don’t suck your thumb,” try highlighting what she is doing well, “Hey, I noticed your hands are out of your mouth! That’s great!” You can also make it playful by saying something like, “Show me your superhero hands!” or “Can we do a high-five instead of thumb time?” If thumb-sucking tends to show up in specific settings (like during screen time or in the car), try offering a replacement, like a soft toy to hold, a fidget, or a cozy blanket. Some families have also found success with bitter-tasting nail polish, such as Mavala Stop, especially when their child is motivated and understands the goal.

The key is consistency without pressure. That’s what helps her build awareness and confidence, without turning it into a power struggle. She’s already showing signs she’s ready, you’re just offering a gentle nudge in the right direction.

Want more ideas from other parents? This updated PedsDocTalk blog post includes real-life tips from the community and breaks down strategies by age, so you can find an approach that fits your child’s stage and personality.

It’s hard when your toddler is yelling “hold me” one second and “no, don’t hold me!” the next. That back-and-forth can be confusing and exhausting. This push-pull during a meltdown is tough, and really common for toddlers. At 2.5, your child’s emotions are big, but their ability to understand or express what they need in the moment is still developing. In those dysregulated moments, they often feel overwhelmed and unsure, which can come out as mixed signals.

What helps is staying calm and grounded, even when they’re not. You might say, “You’re having a hard time. Do you want a hug or for me to sit nearby?” They might not be able to answer, and that’s okay. You can follow up with, “That’s okay. I’m right here when you’re ready.” This keeps you present and supportive while also giving them a bit of control, without pressuring them to figure it out in the middle of a meltdown.

It can also help to talk about it later, when they’re calm. Try something like, “Earlier, you were really upset. Do you like it when I give you hugs to help you feel better, or when I sit close?” These little check-ins help your child make sense of their feelings and feel more secure the next time those big emotions take over.

If meltdowns like this leave you feeling stuck or unsure how to help, you’re not alone, and the PedsDocTalk Toddlers and Tantrums Course is full of real-life tips, scripts, and support to guide you through the tough stuff.

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Dr. Mona will answer these questions in a future Sunday Morning Q&A email. Chances are if you have a parenting concern or question, another parent can relate. So let's figure this out together!