Dear Sandra: I started the program with my kid and it worked without problems. She left the habit in less than ten days. However, after ten days she continues using the Sockie (“Amanda”). I have not bothered her since she had also a bad biting nail habit that is being corrected with the use of the helper. What do you recommend in this case? Do I need to stop her using the Sockie, or do I continue using it with a second purpose, meaning stop biting the nails?
Thank you for sharing your very interesting email with us. First of all, I am delighted that your daughter “Unplugged” her thumb successfully. That is what we are all about and we love to hear good news. As far as Sockie (“Amanda”) is concerned, ideally your daughter and you were supposed to select the spot to place Sockie after 10 days of success. In your case, you have used Sockie and the positive reinforcement method to help her with her additional problem of nail biting. Very interesting information! I suggest you implement a similar chart and stickers for the nail biting habit as well. Being that nail biting affects both hands and nails grow fairly slowly, I suggest using a 30 day chart. Also, read the section in your UTT kit about using a sock for the other hand and be sure to follow those directions exactly. For your information, we also have a new success kit called Growing the Nails that uses a similar approach but also includes a special shirt with smiley faces in addition to a storybook, parent guide, flashdrive, etc. It might be a good idea to request the flashdrive directly from our company since you already have the process underway and you have successfully used the approach with the sucking habit.