How to Stop Your Child From Picking His Nose

Kids are messy creatures, and the idea that their little fingers occasionally explore their noses surprises no one, especially parents. While nose picking in children may be common and even expected, it has not reached the point where it is socially acceptable. Fingers and noses also carry germs and bacteria, so it's a health concern for most parents. Instead of punishing the nose picking, get your child to stop by keeping his hands too busy to pick and making sure the nose is clean and comfortable.

Things You'll Need

  • Tissue
  • Adhesive bandages
  • Hand sanitizer

Instructions

    • 1

      Check for allergies. Allergies to pet dander, dust, pollen and mold can create a stuffy nose, which leads many children to start picking. Get some over-the-counter allergy medications recommended by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) such as Claritin, Zyrtec and Allegra. Talk to your pediatrician about treatment options as well.

    • 2

      Keep your child hydrated. A dry nose is uncomfortable, so make sure the nasal passages don't dry out. Drinking lots of water will help, as well as a humidifier in the bedroom at night. Try a saline nasal spray and if the stinging sensation is too unpleasant, use a saline gel.

    • 3

      Offer tissues when a child is picking his nose. Teaching your child to blow his nose into a tissue takes constant reinforcement and a seemingly endless supply of tissues. You can also take a tip from BabyCenter.com and give your child a handkerchief to carry around.

    • 4

      Give your child something to hold. Sometimes, children pick their noses just because they are bored or distracted. If your little one has a toy or a book in his hand, his fingers won't be free to roam.

    • 5

      Encourage nose picking in private. Train your child to go into the bathroom or his bedroom if he absolutely must use his finger to pick something out of his nose. According to BabyCenter.com, this may not break the habit, but it will teach him that other people do not want to see the nose picking.

    • 6

      Wrap your child's fingers in adhesive bandages. Your child might pick his nose without even realizing it, and the bandages will make it harder for him to do that.

    • 7

      Talk about health. Tell your child that picking his nose will make him sick. This isn't meant to scare him, but it may deter the behavior. Anytime he does pick his nose, make him wash his hands thoroughly. Keep hand sanitizer available for when washing isn't possible.

    • 8

      Check your child's nose. If he can't keep his fingers out of it, or if he picks so much that his nose bleeds, you need to see what's going on in there. If you see any sores, scratches or obstructions, visit the pediatrician.

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