Dear parents, have you noticed that your child’s fingertips are always bare and their nails are bitten unevenly? Many parents immediately assume:
“Is my child lacking vitamins?”
“Should I buy supplements?”

But here’s the truth: 90% of nail-biting is not caused by vitamin deficiency.

01. Unfinished “Oral Needs”

Before age two, children explore the world with their mouths—this is the well-known oral stage.

If this stage is abruptly interrupted (for example, if parents forcefully stop a child from sucking their hands), the child may later try to “make up for it” by biting their nails.

Real case:
Five-year-old Hao Hao was never allowed to put his hands in his mouth as a baby. Now, all ten nails are bitten down to the skin. His mother said, “Nothing works—not scolding, not hitting his hands, not even bitter nail polish!”

Why?
Because this is a developmental need. Suppressing it often makes the behavior stronger.

02. Sensory-Seeking Children Need More Input

Some children bite their nails because their bodies crave more tactile stimulation—a trait known as tactile seeking in sensory integration.

These children often:

• Can’t sit still
• Fidget constantly
• Love touching objects with different textures
• Move their hands/feet when talking
• Feel irritated by clothing tags or seams

For these kids, nail-biting is a form of self-regulation, a way to “recharge” their sensory system.
This isn’t misbehavior—it’s the body asking for help.

03. A Signal of Anxiety or Insecurity

When children feel nervous, worried, or scared, they may bite their nails to soothe themselves—just like adults rub their hands or shake their legs when anxious.

Important clue:
If the nail-biting happens only in certain situations (after conflict at home, being scolded, or in unfamiliar places), it likely means:
“I’m scared. I need comfort.”

I once met a child who bit his nails until they bled whenever his parents argued. His mother cried and said, “We thought he was asleep… but he heard everything.”

How to Help: Three Targeted Solutions

1) For children with unmet oral needs

• Offer alternatives: chewable necklaces, teething sticks
• Increase oral stimulation: chewy foods like beef jerky, dried squid strips, or sugar-free gum
• No punishment or shaming: understand this is a normal biological need

2) For sensory-seeking children

• More tactile activities: sand play, water play, finger painting
• Provide tactile tools: massage brushes, touch-based games
• Professional sensory integration training if needed

3) For children lacking a sense of security

• High-quality connection: 15 minutes of focused one-on-one time daily
• Predictable routines: help children feel safe and grounded
• Warm hugs and emotional support
• Avoid arguing in front of children: even if you think they “don’t understand,” their bodies feel it

Understanding Is More Effective Than Discipline

Nail-biting is not a moral failing, not stubbornness, and not disobedience.
It is a silent request for help.

Next time you see your child biting their nails, don’t rush to stop them.
Instead, squat down, gently hold their hand, and say:

“Baby, are you feeling nervous?
Mom/Dad is here with you.”

Often, empathy and acceptance work far better than supplements or punishment.