Welcome to "Hey Mom and Dad"—a weekly feature in which we ask our Facebook fans to share their views on parenting. Every week, we get the conversation started by taking a look back at a question we asked parents the week before on Patch Facebook pages from around the area.
Children get accustomed to certain security items and habits at a young age, whether it's sucking their thumb or a pacifier, or holding onto a special blanket or stuffed animal. Some children lose attachment to those items on their own, but in other cases, parents have to help the transition along. That brings us to this week's question:
When should you start weaning your child off security items like pacifiers?
Take a look at what people had to say and join the conversation in the comments section.
Susan C. Pacifier should be gone by 1 year. I threw the pacifiers and bottles away at that age together and my boys cried for them but after a few days forgot about it. A favorite blanket or animal is different though and can be kept much longer. via Oswego Patch Facebook
Heather H. 10 months but everyone is different. I weened my kids by only allowing them in the car and bedtime when it was time for it to go. Then it only became a bedtime blanky. My son slept with his blanky for years! He loved it so much. When he was a bit older, I told him he had to let it go. He then started laying it across his pillow for a while when he relized he was getting to old to snuggle with it. Then finally placed it in his closet on his own. We still have it to this day. So many memories! via Plainfield Patch Facebook
Corliss M. When they start walking...always hated to see a child walking around with a binky in his mouth. via Joliet Patch Facebook
Mia C. I got rid of the bottle and pacifier at 1yr with both my kids. The bottle was no problem, but the pacifier took 3 days. Worth it in the long run though!! via Shorewood Patch Facebook
LeAnn H. When it becomes an obsession. I learned the hard way that my Son was using his pacifier to control ME. The daycare told me that when I leave, he spits it out of his mouth and plays the rest of the day...that sucker got thrown out that same day. He was sad, but in the long run, it was needed...for the BOTH of us. Definitely before 2 comes around, all security items should be gotten rid of......it only makes everyone crazy !!! via Bolingbrook Patch Facebook
Dodie W. Pacifier as soon as possible! My daughter had hers too long. Blankets, teddies, or any other lovies they will give these up when they are ready. As far as I am concerned, she can keep her blanket as long as I can wash it! via Montgomery Patch Facebook
Angela P. I know this may sound awful, their is a natural solution that comes in a small bottle with a brush, it kinda looks like nail polish. Anyways it's dandelion extract it's sold to stop nail biting and thumb sucking. Put it on their thumbs and after a few times they won't care much for it and eventually thumb sucking stops!!! via Yorkville Patch Facebook
So what's your take? Tell us in the comments.
