1.When might you be better off to wait before offering your child Unplugging The Thumb?
a. Under the age of 4 years.
I have seen exceptions through the years, some as young as 3 years exactly. These were children with strong language
comprehension and expressive abilities, characteristics that probably increased the likelihood that they were
able to reason at a higher level than the typical three year old child.
b. Four year olds or older children who have significant learning, emotional, behavioral, or medical conditions.
This could render the program ineffective for them until they are a bit more mature or until the difficulty is remediated
sufficiently.
c. Anticipated changes on the horizon that will conflict with the child’s or parent’s usual schedule.
The parent must choose the right time to start so she/he can be available to share the various “fun” aspects of Unplugging
the Thumb and the pleasure of guiding the child for ten days in a row (maybe fewer!)
2. Is there a recommended upper age limit for Unplugging The Thumb method?
The suggested ages are from 4 – 10 years of age, but there are many children over the age of 10 years who benefit from
Unplugging the Thumb method. A few minor changes can be made to add to the fun for older children, but the program
steps and main objectives remain the same.
3. Why can’t I just use bitter tasting solution on my child’s thumb or finger(s)?
Of course, you can choose to go that route, but I find it unfair and unreasonable to use a punishing or distasteful (for sure
distasteful!) method. I feel strongly that a child should be included in decisions that involve his life choices. If the child is
the one who decides to quit, the chance of success is naturally much, much higher. Also, I don’t think that it is sensible to
try to enforce change by using negative means. If we want positive change, we should use positive methods. By doing so,
we are sending a message much stronger and more important to our child… that he has the ability to make wise choices,
work through difficulties, and achieve success he can be proud of!!
a. Under the age of 4 years.
I have seen exceptions through the years, some as young as 3 years exactly. These were children with strong language
comprehension and expressive abilities, characteristics that probably increased the likelihood that they were
able to reason at a higher level than the typical three year old child.
b. Four year olds or older children who have significant learning, emotional, behavioral, or medical conditions.
This could render the program ineffective for them until they are a bit more mature or until the difficulty is remediated
sufficiently.
c. Anticipated changes on the horizon that will conflict with the child’s or parent’s usual schedule.
The parent must choose the right time to start so she/he can be available to share the various “fun” aspects of Unplugging
the Thumb and the pleasure of guiding the child for ten days in a row (maybe fewer!)
2. Is there a recommended upper age limit for Unplugging The Thumb method?
The suggested ages are from 4 – 10 years of age, but there are many children over the age of 10 years who benefit from
Unplugging the Thumb method. A few minor changes can be made to add to the fun for older children, but the program
steps and main objectives remain the same.
3. Why can’t I just use bitter tasting solution on my child’s thumb or finger(s)?
Of course, you can choose to go that route, but I find it unfair and unreasonable to use a punishing or distasteful (for sure
distasteful!) method. I feel strongly that a child should be included in decisions that involve his life choices. If the child is
the one who decides to quit, the chance of success is naturally much, much higher. Also, I don’t think that it is sensible to
try to enforce change by using negative means. If we want positive change, we should use positive methods. By doing so,
we are sending a message much stronger and more important to our child… that he has the ability to make wise choices,
work through difficulties, and achieve success he can be proud of!!
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