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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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What Causes Habit Of Chewing Paper In Child?

Hi. My 7 year old eats/chews paper. Not constantly, but every couple of weeks I get a note from school. I suppose I wouldn t feel like it was a huge deal if the teacher didn t, but they seem quite irked by it. I don t believe it s pica, but I am going to have him checked just in case. I ve explained to him that it is inappropriate. He understands, but perhaps can t control the urge. He is not a defiant child, but this seems out of his control. Can you please offer ideas or solutions to discuss with his teachers. Thank you.
posted on Sat, 7 Mar 2015
Twitter Thu, 2 Apr 2015 Answered on
Twitter Thu, 2 Apr 2015 Last reviewed on
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Pain Medicine & Palliative Care Specialist,  's  Response
hi

paper ,lead , raw rice, chalk almost all of these are included under pica.
most of these kids feel insecure and develop this habit and get addicted .

i suggest you to start your kid on calcium supplements added with multivitamins, to erase this habit.

if still it seems to be persistyent please take him to the paediatrician or a child counselling psychiatrist.

please tell the teachers not to make a significant issue, in front of other peers, which can have a negative effect on the child.
all the best
take care
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What Causes Habit Of Chewing Paper In Child?

hi paper ,lead , raw rice, chalk almost all of these are included under pica. most of these kids feel insecure and develop this habit and get addicted . i suggest you to start your kid on calcium supplements added with multivitamins, to erase this habit. if still it seems to be persistyent please take him to the paediatrician or a child counselling psychiatrist. please tell the teachers not to make a significant issue, in front of other peers, which can have a negative effect on the child. all the best take care