The question
I have a five-year-old child. When he sees pictures of us as a family, he cries and screams that he is happy and is deeply moved by these pictures. He is sensitive and is intensely affected by what is beautiful or sad. He is the oldest brother and has a nail-biting habit. What is the appropriate way to handle him?
Our answer
First, I advise you to keep your little one away from screens (any films or series or emotional scenes at home). He likely picked up this reaction from another person or scene. So try to correct his response. It's not a flaw in him to be affected — it may be a strong quality in him for building his resolve, but it must be refined. That is: talk with him. Five years of age — he is reasonable and understands. Remind him that we must be moderate in our feelings, neither overjoyed nor overly sad, and teach him natural responding. Model it for him by your own behaviour.
Nail-biting is a common bad habit, and it may stick with him into adulthood if not addressed correctly. It is a way for him to express his feelings — sadness, anger, or temper. I advise you to trim and cut his nails regularly. This bores him because he finds nothing to bite.
You must speak with the child calmly and create an atmosphere of safety in your embrace. Tell him this habit has health harms. When you see him do it, don't raise your voice or scream or show anger. Rather respond in a way that says you're here to alert him not to do this bad behaviour.
Occupy him from biting his nails with what holds his passion and attention. Play with your son educational, entertaining games.
Whenever you see him succeed in overcoming this bad habit, thank him and praise him.
Keep your little one away from any tense, anxious atmospheres. May Allah preserve him and delight your eyes with him as an imam of the God-fearing.
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