Why Does My 12-Year-Old Daughter Still Pick Her Nose and Eat It?

As a parent, witnessing your child engage in certain behaviors can be disconcerting, especially if they have a habit that seems hygienically questionable. One common behavioral concern for many parents is their child's nose picking and subsequent consumption of nasal mucus, a practice known as nose picking and eating. In my experience, I've seen adults doing this in public, often without a second thought. They may view it as an unwashed finger up her nose, and believe no one is watching. But what about your daughter? Should you overlook it or address the behavior?

The Psychology Behind Nose Picking

First, it's essential to understand that nose picking and eating it is often a habitual action driven by a mix of comfort and cleanliness. When someone picks and eats their snot, it may feel soothing and satisfying, especially if they have a buildup of dry mucus in their nostrils. From an evolutionary perspective, the sensation can be somewhat relieving, distracting them from other stimuli. Adults often do this without realizing it, viewing it as a private and low-stakes matter.

Habitual Behavior vs. Hygiene

However, just because it might be a common or habitual action doesn't mean it's free from health risks. The concern for parents is the potential for germs, bacteria, and viruses. Every time a child picks and eats her snot, she introduces foreign bodies into her system, which can lead to infections and other health issues. For a 12-year-old, this behavior raises red flags about hygiene practices.

Breaking the Habit: A Parent’s Responsibility

So, when your daughter engages in this behavior, it's your responsibility to address it. Here are some steps you can take:

Education and Awareness: Start by explaining to your daughter the dangers of nose picking and eating mucus. Highlight the number of germs, bacteria, and viruses that can enter her system every time she engages in this habit. Emphasize how easily these can cause illnesses such as colds, flu, and even more severe infections. Open Communication: Discuss why picking and eating snot might feel satisfying but is not hygienically safe. Encourage your daughter to express any discomfort or stress that may trigger this behavior. This can help identify underlying issues that might be contributing to the habit. Develop Alternatives: Suggest alternative actions for dealing with a stuffy or itchy nose. For example, encourage her to use a saline spray, a soft tissue, or a nasal wipe. Teach her good hand hygiene practices so that she can safely clean her nose without transmitting germs. Patience and Consistency: Changing a habit takes time and persistence. Be patient and consistent in reinforcing good hygiene practices. Reward positive behaviors and gently correct inappropriate actions without being overly critical.

The Invisible Risk: Nasal Mucus Flow

It's also worth noting that the mucus we perceive as nasal discharge actually travels downwards, not upwards. Most of it is swallowed without us realizing. Therefore, nose picking and eating mucus poses a more significant risk as it brings germs directly into the nasal passages and throat.

Alternative Cleanup

While it might be tempting for a child to wipe her finger on a tablecloth, this is a more dangerous option than picking. A tablecloth might provide some cleaner surface, but it's still unhygienic. Instead, encourage your daughter to use a tissue or a handkerchief to clean her nose before disposing of it properly in a bin.

Ultimately, addressing your child's nasal habits is an important part of ensuring her health and wellbeing. By understanding and addressing the root causes of these behaviors, you can help your child develop better hygiene practices and reduce the risk of introducing harmful pathogens into her system.