Thumb Sucking

[bl08791]

i have a younger sibling who is 12 years old, i recently noticed that she still has been sucking her thumb in her sleep. i found out because she fell asleep on webcam while we were talking and i was doing hw, how can i help her to stop or is this normal? shes been through a lot including loss of our mother, she was for a time molested, and we both have been to at least 7 funerals in last 4 years, i dont know how to help her but i am her main person she talks to and i want to try.

[B00]

Why bother? She's not harming herself or anyone else with this habit is she?

If she was younger there might, just might, be an issue with her developing teeth, but at 12 I wouldn't have thought that was an issue anymore.

[Tilly2]

Just leave her alone. Why put her through more stress?

[bl08791]

@boo and @tilly2
i wasnt trying to add more stress i just want to help her. shes my baby sister and i dont like her having issues and dealing with them alone.

[Mamyalynne]

Totally agree with B00 and Tilly , it isn't uncommon and if it gives her comfort best left - nice of you to care so much for her though.

[bednobs]

Sucking your thumb is not an indication of "issues"
Sucking your thumb does not need to be "helped"

[Mosaic]

Given all that you describe, and given it's no biggie to thumb-suck, I suggest you leave it be.

[woofgang]

I would let the thumb sucking alone. If it brings her comfort then why try to stop her?

[bl08791]

i do not want to let something go and it affect her negatively if in anyways its a thing that would cause issues i want to help her. i never want something to harm her or be more difficult on her

[lcg]

i sucked my thumb until i was 19! and my teeth are fine......i am a well-adjusted adult and it did me no harm whatsoever.