Stopping a child from eating paper requires understanding the reasons behind the behavior and implementing appropriate strategies. Here's a breakdown of how to address this issue:
1. Identify the Underlying Cause:
- Pica: Pica is an eating disorder characterized by persistent consumption of non-nutritive substances like paper, dirt, or clay. This can be due to nutritional deficiencies (e.g., iron, zinc), or developmental delays. Consult a pediatrician to rule out any underlying medical conditions.
- Sensory Exploration: Young children explore the world through their senses. Paper might be interesting due to its texture or sound.
- Behavioral/Attention Seeking: Sometimes, eating paper is a way for a child to get attention from parents or caregivers.
- Stress or Anxiety: In some cases, paper eating can be a coping mechanism for stress or anxiety.
- Boredom: The child might be bored and looking for something to do.
2. Implement Strategies to Stop Paper Eating:
- Consult a Pediatrician: This is the first and most important step, especially if you suspect pica. The doctor can perform blood tests to check for nutritional deficiencies.
- Address Nutritional Deficiencies: If a deficiency is identified, follow the doctor's recommendations for supplementation. Iron supplements are commonly prescribed for pica related to iron deficiency.
- Environmental Modification:
- Remove Access: Keep paper, tissues, and other tempting non-food items out of your child's reach. Store these items in closed cabinets or drawers.
- Offer Alternatives: Provide safe and appropriate alternatives for sensory exploration, such as teething toys, play dough, or textured fabrics.
- Behavioral Interventions:
- Positive Reinforcement: Reward your child when they don't eat paper. For example, praise them when they play with toys instead of reaching for paper. You can also use a sticker chart or small, non-food rewards.
- Redirection: If you see your child reaching for paper, redirect their attention to a different activity. Offer them a toy or suggest a game.
- "No" and Firmness: Use a firm but gentle "no" when you see your child eating paper. Explain why it's not okay in simple terms they can understand.
- Consider the Short Answer Approach: Use the approach suggested in the references and "Sit your child at a table with a plate on a coloured placemat. Place a few non-food items on the table. Place a your child's favourite food on their plate. Reward your child for eating from the plate and not putting the non-food items in their mouth."
- Address Underlying Anxiety or Stress: If you suspect that stress or anxiety are contributing factors, consider seeking professional help from a child psychologist or therapist.
- Make it Unappealing: If safe, and if you know the child won't eat a lot of it, you can lightly spray a non-toxic, bitter-tasting deterrent on paper that is left out. This can help break the habit.
3. Monitor and Follow-Up:
- Keep a close eye on your child's behavior and track any patterns or triggers for paper eating.
- Regularly communicate with your pediatrician or other healthcare professionals about your child's progress.
Example:
Let's say a 2-year-old is eating paper because they are exploring textures. The parent can remove paper from easy reach and offer a variety of textured toys, like crinkle toys, soft balls, or textured blocks. When the child reaches for a toy instead of paper, the parent can praise them ("Good job playing with your blocks!").
Important Considerations:
- Avoid Punishing: Punishment can worsen anxiety and may not be effective in the long run.
- Consistency is Key: It's important to be consistent with your approach to stop paper eating.
- Be Patient: It may take time and effort to break the habit.
By identifying the underlying cause and implementing appropriate strategies, you can help your child stop eating paper and promote healthy development.
