Dr. Phil points out that Kari has already tried to reason with Emma and has explained that sucking her thumb may cause her to have buck teeth. "What you've got to do is realize that every child has currency, things they value. And what you want to do is reinforce the behavior you want. So you have to catch her not doing it and give her great acknowledgement and reward and you truly can shape her out of that behavior."

To punish Emma for her habit may be traumatic for her. "This is kind of an anxiety behavior, and if you punish her for it, then you know it just creates more anxiety and she's going to do it more," Dr. Phil explains.