How to restart sucking program?

Hi – I used the program for my son N (6 1/2) in the fall. While he made was successful for 10 nights, he went back to his old habits. N tends to suck his thumb while watching TV, in the car and at bed time. He will also put his fingers in his mouth.  How can we help him break this habit? I need further instruction, information and support to ensure that my husband and I can help him break this pattern of reliance on his thumb and fingers. Thank you. M

Hi M, It seems unusual that he would revert back to his old habit after having truly quit for 10 days and nights.  Did he personalize his Sockie?  Did he follow all the “rules” during the program?  Sometimes it is one small deviation that is really more important than one would think… that interferes with success.  Perhaps he didn’t really want to quit but was doing it for another reason such as wanting a reward or to please someone else.  The critical part of the program is that the child wants to quit and decides to do so on his own, although the parent provides the “ammunition” of the video, activities, Sockie, good support system, etc.  The key is in your last sentence regarding your helping him break this pattern….N must be involved in the decision to quit.  How does he feel about it himself?  Does he think you are “bothering” him or does he seem to welcome some help from you?  If, indeed, he does not want to stop, then you are at a loss for the time being. I would take a deep breath, wait a few days being certain not to mention the habit, and then have a very non judgemental discussion with him to see if he wants to try again.  If so, involve him completely in deciding when to begin, how to do the steps correctly, etc.  Attitude on both sides, his and yours, are the real keys to success.  The program steps and materials are there to make the transition in an organized way, so success can be measured on a chart and Sockie can be the helper, etc. I hope this is helpful and I wish you all the success…. Sandra H.