- 1). Talk to your daughter about any problems she may have in school or any other stress she may have in her life, such as a divorce, death or other traumas. Many children bite their nails as a "nervous habit" and this may be the reason your daughter is chewing her nails. Walk into the conversation in a light, happy way and let the child know she is not in trouble.
- 2). Avoid yelling at the child about the nail biting. If the biting is caused by anxiety, this could make the situation even worse.
- 3). Break the child's habit and one of your nasty habits at the same time. Make a pact with the child that if she stops biting her nails you will quit one of your vices, such as smoking or drinking soda.
- 4). Give your child an alternative to biting her nails. When you notice the child is biting her nails, gently remind her that she is doing it and give her something else to focus her attention on, such as a ball she can bounce between her hands or a piece of dough to play with.
- 5). Apply bitter nail polish. This polish has a terrible taste that will deter your child from biting her nails.
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