Is Chewing Clothes a Sign of Anxiety in Children? Here’s What Parents Should Know

Have you caught your child chewing on their clothes? Do their hoodie drawstrings look like a dog chewed them up? Perhaps you brushed it off the first couple of times. But now it’s a pattern of behavior that keeps occurring. As a parent, it’s normal to feel concerned about this behavior. 

So, what’s behind it? Is this just a phase, or could it be from anxiety or another mental health issue? Let’s take a deep dive into what could be going on and how you can best support your child. 

Key takeaways 

• Many children chew clothing, especially when they are very young. Oral exploration is a normal developmental behavior for infants and toddlers. 
• In older children, chewing on clothing may be a sign of anxiety or another issue, like ADHD or sensory processing disorder. 
• When it comes to clothes chewing, it becomes a problem when it interferes with daily life and is accompanied by other behavioral or emotional issues. 
• Parents can help by teaching their child emotional regulation skills and seeking guidance from a trained therapist. 

Why do kids chew on clothes?

If you have ever noticed your kid chewing on their shirts, jackets, and other clothing items, you are not alone. In one study, up to 29 percent of kids between the ages of 4 and 15 engage in this behavior. It’s more common among younger kids, like toddlers. 

You might wonder if chewing on clothes is a sign of anxiety in children. It could be, but there are many reasons for clothes chewing. In toddlers, it's part of normal development. It’s linked to sensory exploration, as well. Younger kids explore with their mouths. In older kids, clothes chewing is often linked to anxiety and stress. It may also be a way for them to self-soothe. 

Let’s further explore the causes of clothes chewing so you know how to respond with compassion and support. 

Developmental stage 

For toddlers and preschoolers, chewing on clothes is a normal part of development. Children in this age group go through a developmental stage known as oral exploration or mouthing. During this stage, they mouth various objects, such as toys, pacifiers, blankets, clothes, and hair. This is a way of exploring and learning about the world around them. For children in this stage, clothes chewing is typically not a sign of anxiety but rather normal exploration. 

This stage typically lasts until the age of two. It can extend a little beyond that. However, most kids outgrow this behavior by the time they are in preschool.  

Anxiety 

In some children, chewing on clothes could be a sign of anxiety. Chewing and similar repetitive behaviors can be a form of self-regulation for some kids, meaning that it helps them regulate their emotions. It’s done as a way to soothe tension and worry. It can also be a physical outlet for anxiety.  One study found an association between chewing on clothes and anxiety and other psychological issues in children. If a child chews clothing because of anxiety, there will typically be other signs of anxiety, such as: 

• Excessive fear or worry - This may center on separation, school, or other things. 
• Restlessness - A child with anxiety may feel restlessness or pace back and forth. 
• Unexplained physical symptoms - Stomachaches, headaches, and other physical symptoms may be present. 
• Sleep problems - Anxiety often causes sleep disturbances. A child with anxiety may have frequent nightmares and trouble falling asleep. They may also wake up frequently during the night. 
• Avoidance behaviors - Anxiety is related to school refusal and other avoidance behaviors in children. 
• Comfort-seeking - A child with anxiety may constantly seek reassurance from adults. 
• Difficulty concentrating - Children with anxiety disorders may have trouble focusing, particularly at school. 

Other Causes 

While anxiety is a common cause of clothes chewing in children, it’s only one cause. Clothes chewing could be linked with other behavioral and developmental conditions. Understanding the root cause is important, as it can help you understand how to better help your child. 

Sensory processing issues 

Sometimes, clothes chewing is associated with sensory processing problems. It may be associated with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) or Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD). These children might chew on clothes to help regulate their sensory systems. 

Research has shown that kids with ADHD have problems with sensory processing. This can result in increased oral-seeking behaviors. Clothes chewing is common in kids with SPD. This disorder impacts how the brain processes sensory information. This can cause children with 

Comfort 

For many children, chewing on shirts, hoodies, and other items of clothing is something they do for comfort. It’s similar to nail biting or thumb sucking. It’s also possible that it’s become a habit. 

Chewing on clothing may simply be a way for children to entertain themselves when bored. 

It’s a way of alleviating stress or boredom. 

How to stop your child from chewing on their clothes 

There are some science-backed steps that you can take to help your child stop chewing on clothes. 

• Calming routines or calm corner - A calm corner is a space in your home that is designed to help calm the nervous system. It may be outfitted with soft blankets, sensory tools, and similar things. 
• Teach emotional regulation skills - Examples include naming and expressing feelings. You can use feeling games and cards for this. 
• Talk about it - If your child is older, you can have a conversation with them about the behavior. Find out the reasons behind it. 

Avoid punishing or shaming your child for chewing on their clothes. Instead, use gentle redirection. 

When to worry about clothes chewing 

If your child she's on clothes occasionally, it's probably nothing to worry about. If your child is younger, it’s likely due to normal developmental issues. If it’s something they do occasionally to self-soothe, it’s also not an issue. However, there are some signs that clothes chewing could be something more. Here are some red flags that you’ll want to look for: 

• It occurs along with other emotional or behavioral problems. Examples include school refusal and frequent tantrums. 
• It occurs long past preschool age. Clothes chewing in older children is something to be concerned about. That’s because it’s likely related to mental health or other issues. 
• It’s compulsive. Your child does not seem to be able to control it. 
• It’s persistent. Your child chews clothes frequently and persistently. 
• It interferes with your child’s daily life. For example, constant chewing on clothes leads to problems with their teeth. 

If you notice any of the above red flags, talk with your child’s pediatrician, occupational therapist, or child psychologist. It’s also a good idea to consider child therapy.  

Final thoughts on clothes chewing in kids 

Many kids chew on their clothes. When they are young, it’s a normal part of development. Typically, they outgrow this behavior. But if they don’t, it could indicate a deeper emotional problem like anxiety or ADHD. 

The good news is that if this behavior is linked to anxiety, support is available—you don’t have to navigate it alone.

Get help with Emora Health

If your child frequently chews on their clothing, and you are concerned about anxiety, it’s a good idea to reach out for help from a professional. Don’t wait to get the support you deserve. Here at Emora Health, we are here to help. Our licensed therapists specialize in providing child and adolescent therapy. We are available in Florida and Texas. 

SOURCES 

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