Dear Dorie, My 2 1/2 year-old daughter has been picking her nose and — yikes! — eating the boogies for the last few months. Is this normal? How can I get her to stop?
Grossed Out Mommy Dear Mommy, Normal? Yes. Desirable? No. There is absolutely no harm in the behavior, but it draws a very powerful reaction from just about everybody. Try carrying a tissue with you and when her finger goes in her nose, calmly suggest, “It looks like you need to get a boogie out. Try this.” Let her response be your guide.
When she’s a bit older, you can introduce the idea that she should save “the picking” for private and wash her hands afterwards, but right now go for the tissue. Be patient on this one, she won’t be a “picker” forever. (Dorie Meek is director of the Infant & Family Support Program, provided by Saint John’s Health Center in partnership with the Santa Monica-Malibu Unified School District. Meek answers questions concerning children ages birth to 5 years old. Submit your questions to “Dear Dorie” at, or call 310-452-6132; fax 310-452-6392.)
Originally published in the Santa Monica Daily Press print edition on February 1, 2005. Read the original PDF.