Does your child chew their hair or bite their nails? 

Bad habits can lead to serious consequences – 5 tips to put a stop to them 

Anyone with a cat is familiar with hairballs. But did you know humans can develop them too? That is because human hair is highly resistant to digestive acids. While rare, those who excessively nibble on their hair risk having it buildup in their stomach or digestive tract. The resulting hairball can grow large enough to cause blockages, leading to pain and digestive issues. In severe cases, a hairball can lead to complications like malnutrition, infections, or even blood infections. Surgery may be required to remove the hairball. 

In psychological terms, eating hair is classified as a body-focused repetitive behaviour (BFRB), basically a “bad habit”. It is an unintentional activity that is difficult to stop.  

“Most of the time, children and teens mindlessly engage in BFRBs like chewing their hair, biting their nails, chewing the inside of their lip or even cracking their knuckles,” explains Dr. Catherine Serra Poirier, a psychologist at The Montreal Children’s Hospital. “Why we form  BFRBs is unknown, but the likely reason is anxiety. We know during periods of high stress, like going back to school or exam time, our BFRBs may ramp up.”  

Dr. Serra Poirier explains most BFRBs are harmless. However, in rare instances, they can interfere with a child’s day-to-day life and even make them very sick. One of her key tips for breaking a “bad habit” is to replace it with a harmless activity.  

Helping your child overcome a BFRBs  

If your child has developed a repetitive bad habit that can be harmful, it is crucial to address the behaviour early, before the behaviour begins to affect their health and well-being. 

Dr. Serra Poirier offers tips to parents if they notice their child is engaging in a BFRB: 

1. Raise Awareness: The first step is to help your child become aware of their BFRB. Gently point out when they are doing the behaviour and discuss possible triggers like stress or boredom. Make sure to be discreet and have their consent so as not to embarrass your child. 

2. Habit Reversal: Encourage your child to replace the BFRB with a simple alternative behaviour. This could include taking a deep breathe, clenching their fists, twiddling their thumbs, or snapping an elastic band on their wrist. Finding something simple they can do in any setting can help reduce the habit. 

3. Manage Anxiety: Since BFRB often stem from anxiety, teaching stress management techniques is essential. Encourage relaxation techniques, meditation, proper sleep, healthy eating, and engaging in enjoyable activities. Reducing overall anxiety can decrease bad habits. 

4. Set Goals and Motivate: Talk to your child about the impact of their habits on their life. Discuss the health risks and the benefits of changing these habits, such as improved health and self-esteem. Motivation is crucial for breaking these habits. 

5. Seek Professional Help: If the behaviour is severe and impacting your child’s health and wellbeing, consider seeking help from a mental health professional. Psychotherapy or medication can effectively manage underlying anxiety and reduce BFRB. 

By addressing BFRBs early and supporting your child, you can help them develop healthier ways of coping with stress and anxiety and prevent the development of serious health issues like hairballs. However, when a BFRB  starts to cause significant distress and impacts your child health and wellbeing, it’s time to see a professional such as a psychologist.