[Diana H.]

Thanks for all your replies. I do know he's stressed about several things, but when I bring up the idea of counseling, he is very opposed to it. Everything he is stressed about is "normal" growing up stress that a lot of kids go through, but it's just so much all at once. Just over a year ago, we adopted his brother; then his cousin/best friend moved across the country (but is moving home in December--yipee!!); school work suddenly became more challenging last year--research reports, speech competitions, etc.; and during this past year, he's begun having trouble getting along with his dad (from whom I've been divorced since he was 2). I think some divorce issues are beginning to rear their ugly heads, too, now that he's old enough to understand some things about it that he didn't before.

One thing I've noticed is that when I confront him on the chewing, he'll quit chewing that particular area but move to another. For example, he started out with the necklines, then he moved to hems. Now it's socks. Socks are good. If he has to chew something, let it be the socks. In that case, he picks at a thread until he can pull it out, and then he chews on it. I love the bandana idea, but he will have a cow if I suggest it (he's 11, afterall). I have offered to hang a spool of thread around his neck, but he didn't go for that, either.

The good news is that he adores his new brother, he has a wonderful group of friends at school, and he loves school and does well even though the work is more demanding. As for his dad, he seems to be learning how to deal with him better. That's the stressor that most concerns me, but he spends most of his time with me and his stepdad, who he gets along with really well. He mostly does his chewing when he's playing Gameboy or reading--he's doesn't seem aware that he's doing it. So...I'm hoping it's nothing serious, but I will definitely monitor it and see if it continues. If it does, it's probably time to consult a pediatrician about it.