David Decides About Thumbsucking: A Story for Children, a Guide for Parents [Paperback]

Susan P H. D. Heitler (Author)

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Kindergarten-Grade 3 This book, modeled after similar books on toilet training, is aimed both at thumbsucking youngsters and their parents to offer them information and a plan of action. Color photos show a five- or six-year-old boy as he and his parents approach the problem in a very positive manner. Rather than his parents forcing him, he is allowed to come to his own decision, in his own time frame. The rest of the book presents to parents information on why children develop this habit and the consequences at different stages of development from birth to school age. Then suggestions based on behavior modification are made. It is stressed that there is no one correct way to solve the problem and that there may be setbacks. Given the thorough information and the positive manner in which it is presented, this book will be well utilized in homes, libraries, preschools and daycare centers. Judith Gloyer, Milwaukee Public Library
Copyright 1986 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Product Details

• Paperback
• Publisher: Reading Matters; 3 edition (May 1996)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0961478020
• ISBN-13: 978-0961478025
• Product Dimensions: 8 x 5.1 x 0.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 3.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (9 customer reviews)
• Amazon Bestsellers Rank: #179,253 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

44 of 44 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A perfect book for kids/parents who want to end sucking., June 5, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: David Decides About Thumbsucking: A Story for Children, a Guide for Parents (Paperback)

Bright colorful pictures of David and his brother and sister invite kids to join David as he decides if and how to end his thumbsucking habit. Great story. Remarkable impact on my son, who read the story and decided to follow David's example. Also, the best compilation of information for parents on thumb and finger sucking that I've seen. Covers all the research. Explains how sucking habits help young children, but then gradually become detrimental as kids get older.

23 of 23 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars It worked for my 8-year-old, June 22, 2000

By	Diane (IL, USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: David Decides About Thumbsucking: A Story for Children, a Guide for Parents (Paperback)

Great story- My son and I read this book together before bed one night and because of the book, it was his idea to try to stop. We are into the sixth night now with no thumbs! This book was written from a childs view and talks to the child directly and hits on the subject in a very positive way. I highly recommend this before trying the 'nailpolish', or any other old-fashioned techniques. Very positive!

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Most effective non-appliance technique to end sucking habits, September 26, 2008

By	Dr. Rob (RI United States) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: David Decides About Thumbsucking: A Story for Children, a Guide for Parents (Paperback)

I have been a clinical orthodontist/dentist since 1988. Influencing a patient with thumb/finger sucking habits (blanket and pacifiers as well) is quite challenging. My job is to try to help the patient stop their habit in a non-invasive manner, when possible. Using this book, along with some personal counseling, over 95% of my patients have stopped their habit within 3 months. I follow these patients for a year, and the cessation is complete. This is a remarkable success rate when compared to the rates listed in the literature. The patient's parents are out no money (they borrow a copy of the book from me), and thousands of dollars in orthodontic treatment due to flared upper front teeth ("buck teeth") can be avoided. Aren't braces needed to bring the upper front teeth back into alignment? Most of the time, no. The backward resting pressure of the upper lip alone tends to bring the incisors back into a good archform. Technical note: If the child has a "Class II" bite, then orthodontic treatment may be needed in the future. Incidentally, the flaring of the front teeth caused by a sucking habit increases the risk of fracture of these teeth during a sporting accident or fall. This is another reason to stop the habit. Do yourself a big favor and buy this book if your child has this type of oral habit.