Please help - My 6.5 year old son licks his fingers

Hi everyone...

Do any parents of older children have experiences where their children did "odd" habits but then grew out of them? I'm a bit concerned about my boy...


He's 6.5. He has his habit of licking the tips of his fingers. He says that if an object touches his fingers, he has to lick his fingers to see what it tastes like. Also, he sometimes (not often) will lick objects (like the corner of a game card of a new board game he received for Christmas). When asked, he claims he doesn't know why he does it but it's very hard for him to not do it. He says he "has" to do it. I've noticed this periodic habit (on and off) for a few years now.

I feel it's important to note that the lick is very quick and subtle with the tip of his tongue, it is not a large, strong lick like one would do to an ice cream cone. I don't think classmates or adults notice his habit, but I do, as well as my husband and immediate family members.

I'm unsure if this is related, but my son is a bit delayed with his fine motor skills (messy writing and coloring, etc). However, he excels in almost all other areas. He is extremely smart and exceptionally outgoing.

Is this something that you feel is is typical of children his age and if so, do you believe this is something that he may naturally outgrow? Any information you can provide would be greatly appreciated!! I'm So worried other kids will
Notice it soon and make fun of Him ??

Please help - My 6.5 year old son licks his fingers

I would contact your pediatrician or a developmental pediatrician. It does not sound typical, and more of an OCD or sensory based behavior. If it is OCD, he might stop doing this behavior and just replace it with something else. Does he receive OT for his fine motor delays?

Re: Please help - My 6.5 year old son licks his fingers

Re: Please help - My 6.5 year old son licks his fingers

A child psychologist specializing in CBT is a better person to see than a developmental ped.

Re: Please help - My 6.5 year old son licks his fingers

Definitely mention it to your pediatrician. My son (he's 5) had little things like this. He is also extremely bright but receives OT for his writing. He used to bite the tip of his index finger. He didn't even realize he was doing it. Just a nervous habit. Made me want to pull my hair out. His finger was a mess. We worked with his OT on different strategies (by the way only we and her noticed, his teacher never even noticed) to extinguish the behavior. Took awhile but thank god he doesn't do it anymore (can't wait to see what he starts next year!).

It is an issue if they can't stop doing it. Have you asked your son if he tried not to do that how he would feel? Or ask him to try to not to do that for a day, 2 days, etc.? If it causes him anxiety, then he needs help.

Please help - My 6.5 year old son licks his fingers

Definitely see the developmental ped. Sounds like OCD. If you block the behavior what is his response? If he cannot move on and becomes extremely upset it is likely OCD, cannot do anything until the compulsion is complete. However, can also be a sensory issue but what from you are describing sounds like OCD.