In the parents’ minds, children represent hope, and their innocent and carefree appearance can easily evoke a sense of happiness. However, in the process of raising children, parents may encounter various challenges, such as the habit of children biting their nails. This may not only be a habit issue but sometimes also indicate a lack of certain micronutrients in the child’s body. In the face of this situation, the most sensible approach is to take the child to the hospital for a detailed examination to accurately understand the reasons.
The behavior of children biting nails may be a sign of zinc deficiency. These children may also show interest in ingesting non-food items such as paper, wall paint, soil, etc. Through medical tests, it can be confirmed whether there is a zinc deficiency or other health issues. Once the specific reason is determined, whether it is a zinc deficiency or parasite infection, targeted treatment often leads to the natural disappearance of the behavior of nail biting.
Furthermore, nail-biting may also be a psychological response, reflecting the child’s anxiety and lack of security, becoming a way for them to self-soothe. Therefore, in most cases, children biting nails are not just about nutritional deficiencies but may also involve adjustments in behavior habits or psychological states.
When facing the issue of children biting their nails, parents can take the following measures: Firstly, children with mild zinc deficiency can supplement through daily diet, such as consuming foods rich in zinc like lean meat, eggs, pork liver, seafood, whole grains, and nuts. Secondly, pay attention to food preparation methods, avoid excessive refinement leading to nutrient loss, and plan diet reasonably to avoid affecting zinc absorption. For severe zinc deficiency cases, appropriate zinc supplements should be used under the guidance of a doctor, which usually effectively helps alleviate nail-biting behavior.
It is worth noting that besides physiological factors, psychological factors should not be overlooked. Parents should provide children with sufficient care and psychological support to help them establish a sense of security, explore and solve the root cause of nail-biting together. Through a comprehensive approach, not only focusing on children’s physical health but also caring for their mental health, can effectively address this behavioral habit.
