Your children's habits can drive you mad. If you've got a nose-picker or nail-biter on your hands, what can you do?

It's pretty disgusting but she will grow out of it eventually! After all, how often do you see a 30 year-old chewing on the sleeve of her business suit?

It's not unusual
Bad habits are very common so don't punish or nag, make a fuss or belittle her. It'll make things worse. Your daughter often isn't aware of what she's doing and getting angry will only confuse her.

Some bad habits - like chewing cloth - pass quickly and others - like nail biting - persist. It can be difficult to break habits, so be supportive. Were you ever a nail-biter? Have you struggled to give up a habit like smoking? Recognise your own bad habits (past and present) and remember how hard it was to break them.

Breaking the habit
Start by explaining why it's bad to chew, bite your nails, scratch your bottom or whatever your daughter does. Bitten nails and fingers can become infected. Chewing clothes costs money so there's less for treats. Look for possible medical causes - for example, bottom scratching may be a sign of worms. Chewing clothes is a sign your child's molars are coming - it's the big girls' version of the teething ring.

Distraction is the best reaction
You can offer practical help - devise a little sign like a wink or raised eyebrows, to let her know when she's doing it and to remind her to stop. Don't use nasty-tasting deterrent paint - she'll resent it and some children quickly learn to ignore the taste. Star charts work for some parents but put it somewhere private like her bedroom. Go for a direct gratification incentive. Try something like 'Stop biting your nails and I'll take you swimming every Saturday for a month'.

Chill out!
Many nervous habits are brought on by stress, which can be due to a busy schedule, so it might be time to drop a few after-school activities and give your daughter time to wind down. Watch when bad habits occur. Is it when she is tired or hungry? Offer something else to fiddle with or chew.

Remember your child probably likes what she's doing - it's a comforter. To stop it you must provide comfort and reassurance elsewhere. If your child is especially agitated, you need to re-evaluate your lifestyle and attitudes. Are you putting unintentional pressure on her by emphasising good marks at school or expecting her to deal with adult situations? She wants your love, reassurance and - above all - your time.