You're pretty sure you are not raising  your kids in a cave, but every now and then you do question where their (gross) habits come from. Nose picking is perhaps one of the most common "gross kid" habit. Today, Parents Ask expert Elizabeth Pantley, author of The No-Cry Discipline Solution offers an answer to this reader's question:



Q:  This is embarrassing to talk about, but my daughter picks her nose. I can’t stand to watch her do this, but other than humiliating her in public, how do I get it to stop?

A:  
Nose picking is often done to relieve anxiety and bring comfort. Because the nose is always at hand (excuse me, I couldn’t resist!), picking can be an addictive habit and compulsive picking actually has a name: rhinotillexomania. Some studies show that up to 90% of people pick from time to time – and it’s not unusual for kids. (The Ancient Egyptian pharaoh King Tutankhamen had his own personal nose picker on staff.) Since it’s considered a social gaffe, though, and since germs easily enter the body through the nose, it’s healthier and more polite to use a tissue. So let’s talk about some courteous ways that you can put an end your child’s nose-picking habit.

Don’t make it worse by adding embarrassment.  
Keep in mind that nagging or reprimanding your child won’t stop the habit and will just embarrass her, you and everyone else who’s around. Have a talk with your child and bring her attention to the habit (she may not be aware of how often she does it). Explain the reasons you’d like her to stop. Agree to a subtle, gentle reminder that you’ll use to ask her to stop, such as a tap on her arm, handing her a tissue, or the use of a code word.

Give her an alternative.
It can help to take notice of the times your child demonstrates the habit most, such as when she’s sitting in the car, reading, or watching TV. During those times, give her an alternative object to keep her hands busy, such as a tennis ball, Silly PuttyTM, or a smooth rock.

Help stop the unconscious action.
  Create a “trigger” to stop her subconscious action. This is what you’ll do during a “practice” session: Tell her to reach for her nose, but then say “NO” as she quickly clasps her hands in her lap. Repeat this ten times, then repeat several times during the day. Surprisingly, after practicing, this “trigger” for a day or two it will then initiate itself without your child realizing it (just like a habit!)

Enlist your child’s cooperation. 
Once your child has agreed to make an effort, your encouragement and consistent, gentle reminders will do more good than nagging or embarrassing her.