The Finger

Some people have a favorite blanket or stuffed animal to comfort them. Grown ups listen to soothing music (or really loud thrashing music depending on the mood), watch a certain movie, or partake in a certain beverage to help alter their mood. Lucas is a finger-sucker. Oh, he has a blanket (called "mat") that he loves, too, but his favorite calming behaviour is to pop that second finger in his mouth and suck away. As an infant he was addicted to his pacifier and I worried that he would never give it up. At eighteen months we went cold turkey and just took it away. I expected drama and tears and weeks of resistance...and instead he just calmly said "No paci?" and proceeded to begin sucking on his finger. This is actually worse, because you can't take his HAND away--his finger is there all the time, whenever he needs a little comfort. Sometimes I wish I derived as much satisfaction and comfort from sucking on my finger, but sadly it just isn't socially acceptable for adults to walk around nursing a digit.
I have no idea when he will give this habit up. We have tried subtly and blatantly to begin the separation, but so far he is resisting. For now, it soothes ME to see him so calmed by this behaviour. It is sweet and endearing and tells me he is still just a little boy.