Well, it happened again just the other day: my two-year-old, in a moment of what can only be described as public curiosity, decided to lick the grocery cart handle. Let's just say my hand sanitizer's been getting a workout. If you're in the same boat, here's what helped us limit this lovely phase.
Why Do They Do This?
Toddlers explore the world in all sorts of ways, and licking happens to be one of them. They're intrigued by textures and tastes (even of things we find gross). It’s a sensory experience they're after, and often, a little independence.
Practical Solutions
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Redirection Strategy: When you catch them in the act or about to lick something questionable, offer them something more appropriate to their age and taste, like a favorite sippy cup or a teething toy. I sometimes offer a snack as a distraction. "Hey, would you prefer some grapes?"
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Set Boundaries with Humor: Instead of the standard "No licking," try, "Oops, let's save our tongue for ice cream!"
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Model and Practice: Use a “show rather than tell” approach. Demonstrating wiping things down or showing what we use our mouths for can make a difference. "See, this is what we use forks for." (I guess they see us using our hands more than they should.)
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Role Play at Home: Play through scenarios with toys. For us, Mr. Bear has a habit of "licking" the couch, but Teddy can introduce the concept of not licking — showing how Teddy prefers a soft blanket.
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Engage and Educate: Children respond well to simple explanations. "We use our mouths to eat yummy food, not to taste tables or carts." A song or a rhyme works wonders too.
Real Scenario
Picture this: You're at the park, and they head straight for a public bench. "I know it's fun to want to taste things," you say, stepping in, "but benches are for sitting, not tasting." Then you redirect with, "Let's count the leaves together." You're swapping out licking with something engaging.
The Caveat
This doesn't fix everything. Some days, they just have an unstoppable need to taste the world. If licking persists and raises concerns (or if there are other behaviors disrupting everyday life), a check-in with a pediatrician might be a good step.
In the end, keep a bottle of that hand sanitizer around. Not every attempt will work, but with consistency, you'll see a shift.