They are "not allowed" to put anything in their mouths

When my kids turned 15 months, we were told at a playgroup that they are no longer allowed to put things in their mouths. They had been graduated to a new group for kids 15 mo-3 years old and I was told that no one else would be doing it, so my kids had to stop. Also, I was told they were too old for it now.
So in early December we started not allowing them to put anything in their mouths, and it stinks! It's been VERY, VERY hard since they do not want to listen. I even spent $25 on Therapro chewy tubes and some other oral device that was supposed to help them. It hasn't and I am bummed. They don't want to chew on the tubes; only toys.
Did anyone else try to stop this habit, or did you just let it run it's course? I feel like I am the only mom who is telling her kids to stop. I see other kids the same age who are putting things in their mouths and no one says anything. I guess I am just feeling frustrated and whiny???? thanks!
Kathleen

 

Mine are teething and have stuff in their mouths all the time. They are still teething. And I don't have any idea how you change that, other than they outgrow it at some point. Sorry no good advice, since we're right there with you.

 

I think it's developmentally appropriate for kids that age to want to put things in their mouth. Trying to stop it is like trying to stop salmon from swiming!

Who made up that sillly rule??? They sound like a nutjob and I'd be looking for a new playgroup, maybe one with a smaller age range. 15 months to 3 years is a huge range.

 

QUOTE(koozie @ Jan 15 2008, 03:40 PM) [snapback]573806[/snapback]
When my kids turned 15 months, we were told at a playgroup that they are no longer allowed to put things in their mouths. They had been graduated to a new group for kids 15 mo-3 years old and I was told that no one else would be doing it, so my kids had to stop.

WHAT?!?!?!? :shok: That is just plain insane. As you know, my girls are around the age of your kiddos and are still putting things in their mouths. I can't imagine getting them to stop, unless it's something that is harmful to them. Oh Kathleen, I'm so sorry!! :hug99:

 

I agree that it sounds rather odd. Is this an organized playgroup that has a leader that specializes in childhood development?

I think you can offer reminders, but to forbid it just goes against natural development. I am stumped!

 

That doesn't make sense to me with such young ones. Of course it would help cut down on catching colds, etc. but I don't think I could do anything that would make my girls stop putting things in their mouths, they're teething, and isn't it how they explore things too?

 

I agree with the pp. My girls keep their fingers in their mouths b/c of teething. I too thought it was a way for them to explore and learn. GL, maybe you should find another play group.

 

Looks like you're preaching to the choir here. Whoever made up that rule obviously has no clue about the younger half of the playgroup's age spectrum. Perhaps you could suggest they break the group into two sub-groups "mouthers" and "non-mouthers" I would certainly stop worrying about it, though. Especially if no one else is bothering to take it seriously (as they shouldn't at that age, IMO).

At 22 months mine asre still putting everything into their mouths.

 

QUOTE(koozie @ Jan 15 2008, 04:40 PM) [snapback]573806[/snapback]
When my kids turned 15 months, we were told at a playgroup that they are no longer allowed to put things in their mouths. They had been graduated to a new group for kids 15 mo-3 years old and I was told that no one else would be doing it, so my kids had to stop. Also, I was told they were too old for it now.

What play group do you belong to? That is insane as any other Mom says on this message! My twins still put things in their mouth and they are 15 months old. They will naturally stop doing that on their own course. They are still going through teething stage as well too.

If I were you, I am sorry but find another play group. You can try to do a search by doing www.meetup.com and they may have a play group in your area. I belong to a very large play group in my home town. I am fortunate to find wonderful support even thought I am the only one has twins but all of the moms had help me out in the past with group activities. I also have my own organize for the twins group with 13 members so far and it is still growing.

I just got home from a play group today and we have 15 tots running around with whatever stuff in their mouth but one thing we do take out is if the bottle/sippy cup does not belong to the tots.

We are all asking -- who's idea was this? Is this a private play group? (we're curious!)

Diana w/Rianna and Justin

 

Just so you know, mine are 28 months and still putting things in their mouths from time to time. Perfectly normal! It does become less common as they get older, but I would let them develop naturally. It is part of the learning process. I can understand not wanting to share germs, but this is ridiculous. And are no one else's kids doing it really? I seriously don't believe that.

 

Mine still do on occasion!! I'm surprised that MANDATE was handed down....must be a very structured playgroup!! ZOIKS!

I can't remember when we quit putting EVERYTHING in mouths but it's been a good while. They still do it with stuff though!

 

QUOTE(SweetpeaG @ Jan 15 2008, 04:27 PM) [snapback]573896[/snapback]
At 22 months mine asre still putting everything into their mouths.



QUOTE(Stacy A. @ Jan 15 2008, 05:18 PM) [snapback]573966[/snapback]
Just so you know, mine are 28 months and still putting things in their mouths from time to time.


This makes me feel much better as at 20 months EVERYTHING still goes into their mouths!

 

QUOTE(azmomto2 @ Jan 15 2008, 03:46 PM) [snapback]573819[/snapback]
I think it's developmentally appropriate for kids that age to want to put things in their mouth. Trying to stop it is like trying to stop salmon from swiming!

Who made up that sillly rule??? They sound like a nutjob and I'd be looking for a new playgroup, maybe one with a smaller age range. 15 months to 3 years is a huge range.

Totally agree! They are exploring their world, and putting things in their mouths is one way to do that. Personally, I would not stop it, unless of course it was harmful, and I would definitely find a new playgroup!

Article.

 

Okay mine are 27 months and one still puts EVERYTHING in her mouth....the other ones does occasionally. It is still OK developmentally until about age 3.

I would find another playgroup or politely ask that the group be divided into a smaller sections. At 15 months....mine were barely on table food, much less done 'mouthing' thier toys!!

That has to be the ODDEST playgroup request (and the most unrealistic one)...Are they serious?!?!?

KC

 

QUOTE(SweetpeaG @ Jan 15 2008, 04:27 PM) [snapback]573896[/snapback]
Looks like you're preaching to the choir here. Whoever made up that rule obviously has no clue about the younger half of the playgroup's age spectrum. Perhaps you could suggest they break the group into two sub-groups "mouthers" and "non-mouthers" I would certainly stop worrying about it, though. Especially if no one else is bothering to take it seriously (as they shouldn't at that age, IMO).

At 22 months mine asre still putting everything into their mouths.


i agree w/ this...maybe "mouthers" and "non-mouthers"...i bet the mouthers subgroup will be the larger of the two! :rofl: or you could find a new playgroup

mine are just about 16 months and everything still goes in there. i think it is totally normal to do this too...i think it would be very hard to stop them. i much rather get them to stop touching the tv, hitting the cat, etc.

good luck in whatever you do.

 

"Is this an organized playgroup that has a leader that specializes in childhood development?"

yes, the woman who runs it used to be an early intervention specialist. It is a free playgroup run by my town for newborns through ages 4. We were previously in a group 0-15 mos, and now we've been moved to the next group, 15 mo-3 years. We also go to a group for twins there.

I have to tell you all that I feel SOOOOOO much better reading all of your responses. Thanks so much! I am going to let them continue to mouth. There are other things that need "no" far more than this (i.e. standing at the top of the stairs, etc.)

Thanks moms!
Kathleen

 

I would leave that group immediately. She sounds like a quack.

 

QUOTE(koozie @ Jan 15 2008, 05:40 PM) [snapback]573806[/snapback]
When my kids turned 15 months, we were told at a playgroup that they are no longer allowed to put things in their mouths. They had been graduated to a new group for kids 15 mo-3 years old and I was told that no one else would be doing it, so my kids had to stop. Also, I was told they were too old for it now.
So in early December we started not allowing them to put anything in their mouths, and it stinks! It's been VERY, VERY hard since they do not want to listen. I even spent $25 on Therapro chewy tubes and some other oral device that was supposed to help them. It hasn't and I am bummed. They don't want to chew on the tubes; only toys.
Did anyone else try to stop this habit, or did you just let it run it's course? I feel like I am the only mom who is telling her kids to stop. I see other kids the same age who are putting things in their mouths and no one says anything. I guess I am just feeling frustrated and whiny???? thanks!
Kathleen


I think its a normal thing that kids that age do, isn't it??

 

Wow, I think that's one of the most ridiculous thing I've ever heard. My girls will be 20 months old on Sunday and they put EVERYTHING in their mouths. The only thing I try not to let them chew on are their puzzles and books, other then that it's far game unless it'll hurt them of course. If the director of your play group wants to push the issue I'd definitely leave and find another one that's more reasonable.

 

QUOTE
Totally agree! They are exploring their world, and putting things in their mouths is one way to do that. Personally, I would not stop it, unless of course it was harmful, and I would definitely find a new playgroup!


Well that nicely sums up my thoughts on it. Maybe her unrealistic expectations or misunderstanding of child development is why she 'used to' be a specialist but is no longer? Okay, probably not, but this new "rule" is not a reasonable expectation.

Plus, I've never heard of a more stupid reason to make a rule. "nobody else will be doing XYZ so you can't either."

If it's a health issue, a large stash of toys and disinfectant wipes or solution should kill that concern.

 

QUOTE(azmomto2 @ Jan 15 2008, 03:46 PM) [snapback]573819[/snapback]
I think it's developmentally appropriate for kids that age to want to put things in their mouth. Trying to stop it is like trying to stop salmon from swiming!

Who made up that sillly rule??? They sound like a nutjob and I'd be looking for a new playgroup, maybe one with a smaller age range. 15 months to 3 years is a huge range.


my thoughts exactly!

 

WOW, doesn't sound like a very fun playgroup! What would life be like for an 18 month old without little chew toy action??? I would find another playgroup, post haste! :hug99:

 

I agree with MichelleL. You should think about looking for a play group that is more age appropriate. Just the fact that they would suggest that is simply mean and would make me think that the leader of this group has no clue about kids at this age. That's just aweful to put you under that kind of stress. I mean, I am always trying to help "remind" my kids to not put things in their mouth but I don't get upset about it. Also, as pp said, they are still teething and even if they weren't many kids have an oral fixation and trying to stop them from putting things in their mouth is like trying to stop them from being toddlers.

 

What an incredibly crazy request to make to someone who has a baby!!! Of course, this is normal at this age. That is how they explore and learn about the world around them as well as teeth! I am like all your other posters....I would leave the group if they are really serious about that. Good Luck ~Mary~

 

I just let it run its course. They've stopped for the most part, although one of mine is working on a molar so she's been doing it the last couple days. I don't think it is something that should be "forced". They'll grow out of it.

They do put their play food and utensils in their mouth now, but I would say that is appropriate.

 

I would find a new playgroup. Its just weird.

 

I hope that isn't the new rule, my two just started really putting EVERYTHING into their mouths! Until now they weren't big "mouthers" but now all gets a taste. :laughing:

 

Mine would be dropouts then. :blbl:

 

Mine only occasionally put stuxff in their mouths now but at that age they were doing it all the time. I think the age spectum for the playgroup is too big

 

My niece is 2 1/2 and still puts things in her mouth. Peyton and Mackenzie did it up until about age two, and still do it occasionally.

 

My ped. told me that he'd be worried if they WEREN'T putting things in their mouth (sensory sensitivity issue). Putting things in their mouth is how they learn about the world. And my goodness, imagine if they are teething! Yes, my kids don't mouth as much as they use to but asking them to stop completely is insane.
You know we are always judging ourselves as how good we are as mothers and this is one concern you definitely don't need to be worried about. Hugs!

 

I have been asked to put chewed-on items in a bag at Gymboree. I have to watch DS closely and make sure that if a ball goes near his mouth, it goes in their bag to be washed.

It makes sense to me that they are trying to decrease germs during cold/flu season.

Our early intervention specialist says that when kids don't know what to do with a toy they use the mouth to explore more than other sensory areas.

 

That's interesting. Mine still mouth things. Not constantly, but they can't with a paci in. :laughing:
Sounds a little strict. I don't know, maybe check into another (normal) group.

Edit for duplicate.

 

LOL, that's crazy!

QUOTE(azmomto2 @ Jan 15 2008, 02:46 PM) [snapback]573819[/snapback]
I think it's developmentally appropriate for kids that age to want to put things in their mouth. Trying to stop it is like trying to stop salmon from swiming!

Who made up that sillly rule??? They sound like a nutjob and I'd be looking for a new playgroup, maybe one with a smaller age range. 15 months to 3 years is a huge range.

Totally agree here. And if it's a matter of spreading germs, since when does a three year old or younger not constantly spread germs, anyway. They cough, sneeze, wipe their noses, drool, etc. You are likely gong to get something just by being there anyway, and then you are just building their immune systems. It would be fun to know if anybody else thinks that's a completely ridiculous rule!

 

sounds like a playgroup taht I wouldnt want ot be in.... honestly DD #3 is 20mo and sometimes puts things in her mouth ....

thats why we are suppose to clean the toys once in a while... as for the spread of germs .. if they are since they should be in the playgroup that day anyway... germs are crazy but also you have to be exposed to some or you wont have a healthy emuine system.... JMIO