My 2 year old has started putting things up his nose....all the time! I don't know what to do about this. I have 4 children and he is the only one that has created a fascination with his nose. It seems to have started a couple of weeks ago when he slipped a white bean up his nose at daycare. Ever since he sneaks food, paper, stones and even a piece of carpet up his nose. I don't want to create negative attention for this behaviour by being cross with him, but I also don't know what to do to discourage this new behaviour. I would appreciate any suggestions you may have. Ahhh, the many joys of parenting! This is a tricky one because it’s a safety issue and you certainly want to avoid an unpleasant trip to the emergency department. However, you are right not to make too big a deal over this because he will soon figure out that your reactions add to the entertainment value of this new fascination. I’m sure you have done this already, but as much as possible keep all small things away from your little guy (and his nose). Try, in a neutral way to discuss that it is not safe and casually try to distract and redirect him if you see him trying to put things up his nose. You can also try a substitute behavior like finding a tube or very small container and under your supervision watch him as he puts things inside the tube. Make a big deal out of how he does it with appropriate oohs and ahhs, as this may recreate the same interest without the danger. It is most likely a phase that will pass and he will be onto something new to keep you on your toes.
