What is the best approach for a teacher regarding a child who sucks her thumb when nervous?

Accepting and ignoring the child's thumb-sucking is the best approach because it allows the child to express her feelings of nervousness without further exacerbating her anxiety. Thumb-sucking can often be a self-soothing mechanism for children, helping them feel secure in stressful situations. By accepting this behavior without judgment, the teacher shows a level of understanding and support, which can create a safe environment for the child to develop healthier coping strategies over time.

This approach encourages emotional resilience and self-regulation, allowing the child to gradually work through her nervousness without feeling ashamed or pressured to change her behavior in a negative way. Acceptance can also foster a trusting relationship between the child and the teacher, making the child more likely to communicate any underlying anxieties or stressors in the future. In contrast, the other approaches can lead to shame, increased anxiety, and resistance, hindering the child's emotional development and trust in adult guidance.