Why is my 7 year old Son Chewing on Dangerous Objects?

[M0mOfTw02]

My 7 year old son keeps chewing on the AA batteries for his controller. It looks like a small animal has chewed on them. He also chews on his shirt to the point his whole shirt is soaked like he got sprayed by a hose. The battery chewing is what concerns me most. I can’t get him to stop he isn’t in any kind of medication he is extremely active kid.

[hangman1951]

Personally, this doesn't sound like ADHD - it's more like a habit that's gotten very much out of control.  A gentle discussion as to the reasons your son is gnawing on his batteries plus some parental teaching about what's appropriate for him to chew on may be in order.   You might want to politely ask if there's anything going on in his life that might be sparking this habit.  

I think he's seen one of his friends doing this and believes that it's okay for him to do it as well.

[PurpleButterfliesBeautiful]

Doesn't need medication. You need to make sure he doesn't have batteries at all to chew on. Its your responsibility.

[specialmom]

How old is your child, by the way? Things to also look into are adhd or sensory integration disorder.  

[M0mOfTw02]

He is 7 years old and he doesn’t seem to be anxious. It seems to be more of habit he chews on his shirts the collars of them. He is very active or energetic he talks a mile a minute he is always running around. I have considered adhd but I don’t want to resort to the medication for adhd I have looked up the side effects I would like to avoid that at all costs. I have spoken to him about chewing on batteries and the dangers of chewing batteries.  It has been happening less often but still every now and then I catch him doing it

[specialmom]

So, chewing is a sign of some anxiety in kids.  We often are inclined to soothe ourselves and oral soothing in the form of chewing is quite common in children.  Would you describe your child as anxious?  Think of things like pacifiers for babies.  Soothes them, right?  That continues.  Adults might chew gum or smoke.  This is oral soothing.  What can you do instead?  That's key.  My son chewed on his shirt sleeve or collar.  All the time.  Or the strings in a hoodie or on his backpack.  I gave him some gum, I got him a rubber P that he could hold and chew on.  They make things that go on the back of pencils for kids who chew.  They make beads they can chew on.  Sensory shops online have many items designed for this purpose.  Helping a child have better coping skills is the most important part.  Why is your child anxious?  Are there triggers?  Is it showing in other ways too?  

Batteries are dangerous.  That needs to be something that a firm rule is made about.  NO chewing on batteries.  Many kids can be black and white and they will adhere to a rule like that.  good luck

[SassyLassie]

Hello~This should be stopped as soon as possible. The battery might leak and then get into his system. It sounds to me like this is due to some form of stress. You said he is extremely active, I would try to find some ways to channel that.

If this chewing on items continues, I think it may be necessary to take him to his pediatrician.