two thumbs up

stover boy has been sucking his thumb A LOT since the arrival of stover baby. i didn't notice it right away but it has escalated from being an occasional coping mechanism to now being a recreational favorite. in his free time (which is abundant for the older sibling of an infant and the younger sibling of a new kindergartner), he'll grab a pillow from his bed, find a nook to lie down, systematically wrap his right finger around his blankie, and suck his left thumb for long periods of time. once seen as a cute quirk, it has become excessive and is causing problems. instead of talking or answering questions, he sucks his thumb. instead of creative play, he sucks his thumb. instead of running around like a little boy should, he sucks his thumb.
on a whim, i tried the old bandaid solution. i wrapped his left thumb and he confided- 'you better get the udder one too cause i'll suck it.' so stover boy is double bandaged daily except during quiet time and at night. he is motivated by 2 shiny quarters at the end of a successful day. it is day 3 and i'm so proud of him- he's learning other ways to soothe (he asks for a hug, he reads books in his room) and i must say he is so much more enjoyable to be around (he talks more, he's more helpful and involved, and he deals with problems rather than retreating)!