Did you child do this? Why?

Oh well, I don’t know. I ate all sorts of things when I was a child and I have grown up to be a normal avid foodie! She is just a child and maybe of all her sense organs, the tongue is more developed. At least in my case it was so. I am more prone to detecting things with my tongue, I somehow feel more sure of what it is. Its risky alright, but that’s the way it is with me. I have never had any counseling for this and I ate all sorts of things…both back and front (lead!) of pencils, sucked ink of all colors (as if to see if different colours tasted different), chewed on erasers, sides of wooden rulers, end of ribbons, tip of the school-tie, stalks of flowers, tips of leaves, nails of course, papers, oh the list is endless. I would suggest just ignore the teachers, forget the counselors and let her grown her own way.

I have a friend who has a son who literally ate everything,he was diagnosed with prader willi syndrome..i think thats how you spell it.But he went on to grow up to be quite happy with life,though it was very tough at the time .They had to keep all cupboard doors etc firmly locked.

There is a medical term for this -- it is called Pica. I found a link that you may want to read or give to your friend. http://www.keepkidshealthy.com/welcome/conditions/pica.html If the child is normal in other ways..it is probably not autism, I work with autistic adults and pica is there but not as often as one would think.

Oh, I must tell you that don't worry too much ,for i, myself, would eat some things that you will feel ridiculaous.For example, when i was a kid ,I once found the rain-infused soil smelling so special and sweet that i took a bite into it and you know what, i liked the taste ,it's amazing, eh?But it did happen to me. As regards your friend's child ,I guess it was just a matter of curiosity, and she maybe wants to test things and find fun with tasting different things.As long as the things are not poisonous, i think it is ok for her to give everthing a try. And i believe as she grows she would gradually understand what can be eatten and what not.

I have an uncle who ate things when he was younger according to my mother. They say when kids eat stuff like that, they are missing some vitamin from their diet. It could be the loss thing. Maybe she is seeking attention. It's definitely getting it for her. How does she react when they talk to her about it?

I think its just her being a child I cant see there being anything wrong with her. Maybe its stress and worry over losing her grandfather. When I was younger I went through a phase of eating lip balm.... dont know why but I soon stopped.

Oh that's sad.. This kid should be taken to a child psychologist so they can determine what is wrong with her..She should be treated right away or else she might eat something that would be so bad for her digestive system. I do hope she gets better.

to me sounds like a normal but bit excessive oral fixation. though most out grow this in early devolpment I personally have seen it later. With her Grandfather dying may have a little to do with it also. I would keep I one it and try to remove as much of the stimulas as possible. I would also bring it up with the Doctor just so he can look into it, and would know more about the pica and such. Is this something started in last month or two or week or two, how often is she eating stuff, is it constant or is it once a day. what about sucking fingers or thumb. lot of questions.

My 3 year old will do this. He eats everything he can get his hands on...IM not sure why and I never really brought it up to the docter...I just thought it is a normal thing and not to worry about it. I am sure she will get over it...Did she just start doing this or has she always put stuff in her mouth?

Well, I have a 5 year old child. Luckily he never does that. Of course there is a certain age that a child usually puts something in his or her mouth when he holds it in the hand. But obviously at this age, 6 years old, I think something is wrong. Most especially that she do not only put it in the mouth but eat it as well. Maybe she should be evaluated mentally to see if there are any problems.

I have heard my friend's child also like that when he is 7 or 9. I can not remember the exact year. But after few months, he did not do like that. So may be just a short period. Your friend need wacth for a few time. If after a short time, she doesn't do that again, that's OK! If she still like that, I think your friend need take her to see the doctor.