My now 4yr old has like no nails left!!! She started the habit when she was 2 1/2 out of the blue at 1st I would just slap her hand away and thought it was a small thing. But before I knew it she was doing it all the time. I have searched online and feel as if I have done everything. The stuff on her nails, keeping her busy, giving her things to hold on to, trying to reward her, going to the nail salon to have her nails painted, buying those little nail stickers, ahhhh everything....... I dont do it, my oldest does not do it, I dont know anyone who does. Our Pediatrician says its a phase!! but its been 2 yrs now and her fingers look VERY YUKKY!! What have you tried?

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New SAHM to 3 girls(6,4,1) & 1 boy(2)
Working On Budgeting X-Mas&My Summer'09 Wedding

I was a nail bitter and back then my mom bought some nail polish that had a bitter taste.. It didn't take long and I stopped doing it.

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Life may not be the party we hoped for, but while we are here we might as well dance!

Ds nails are getting stubby too. I just plan to ride it out I guess, I'm not really into putting anything bad tasting on his nails, it just doesn't sit right For Me, IMO. I might call his ped. but in my ds case the less attention I draw to something the less he will do it.

I agree with Stormy, maybe try to give the issue less attention. I know that is easier said than done.

i've tried to completly ignoring it for awhile but its only gotten worse.. the yukky nail stuff did not work at all

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New SAHM to 3 girls(6,4,1) & 1 boy(2)
Working On Budgeting X-Mas&My Summer'09 Wedding

I have no suggestions, just want to add, I too have a nail biter, and I haven't cut her nails in 2 years, truly! I just figure it will go away eventually.

I wonder about hot sauce? I wouldn't want to hurt their little tastebuds, but maybe not the hottest sauce? I have a freind who has tried everything herself, and she can't stop her toddler from chewing and picking at his nails. He does have problems though, he had a less than perfect beggining to life, and she is in the process of adoption.

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