What advice should a nurse offer to a mother whose three-year-old still performs thumb-sucking?

Encouraging increased play activities can be beneficial in addressing thumb-sucking behavior in a three-year-old. At this developmental stage, children often resort to thumb-sucking for comfort and self-soothing, especially when they might feel bored or anxious. By engaging the child in more play activities, the nurse is promoting distraction and helping the child to develop coping mechanisms that do not involve thumb-sucking.

Additionally, active engagement through play can enhance emotional and social skills, potentially reducing the reliance on thumb-sucking for comfort. Play also provides opportunities for positive reinforcement and modeling of appropriate behaviors, which can help the child find alternative means of self-soothing and comfort.

While identifying stressors or consulting a pediatrician might be appropriate in some cases, the primary focus here is on proactive and positive strategies, while reassurance regarding thumb-sucking as a common behavior can also be part of the nurse's advice. However, fostering a more engaging environment through play is a key strategy in helping to reduce thumb-sucking tendencies.