My Daughter at 5 years old is still using a pacifier. What can I do?

The other day I waited in the supermarket queue behind a woman and her son. "Hello," I said, smiling at him. The child stared at me in silence. He couldn't have replied even if he had wanted to, thanks to the enormous purple pacifier protruding from his mouth.

But this was no baby – he was at least four, sucking like an infant on a plastic pacifier as he helped his mother pack the shopping into bags.

Pacifier serve a useful purpose when babies are small, my son had one for a while to help him sleep, and I have no real feelings either way about whether they're 'right' or 'wrong'.

Older infants who use the pacifier are more prone to picking up colds because they are so accustomed to constantly sucking and mouthing objects (the usual entry point for germs). Also, using a pacifier for longer than a year or two can interfere with a child's teeth and bite.

Here are some steps you can take that will make is easier for your daughter to quit using her pacifier.

1.  First set her pacifier limits.  She doesn’t need to use it all the time.  Try to keep use to stress-full time or when she is relaxing (bedtime). 
2.   Provide her with other comforts.  Your daughter at her age maybe excited by a new toy, as she is with her pacifier, but these toys will not go in her mouth.
3. Cuddle your daughter it is perfect stress reliever that doesn’t even involve her dummy. 
4. Keep to a schedule: A child who eats and sleeps on time will be a happier all round kid, thus les inclined to need a dummy.  Don’t let your daughter get too sleepy or hungry or bored if you can help it through this process.

 Harder steps

1.  Try reducing the hours to only night-time and nap time, then gradually work your daughter up to sleeping without it.
2.  Have your daughter trade her pacifier for a game, book or toy that is more enjoyable and productive.
3.   Make sure you surround your daughter with her friends and gentle comment how none of them use a pacifier.
4. Explain that pacifiers are for babies, and one isn’t needed now that she is a big girl.
5.  Reward your daughter for time spent without a pacifier.  These rewards can be stickers, gold stars or a small toy or stuffed animal.
6. Be patient and offer lots of reassurance, but please its important don’t give up on trying to break the habit.      

 Children this age simply don't need a pacifier as a soother.

You have to explain and negotiate with your child.  Pacifier’s are for babies and I’m sure your daughter can grasp that she is not a baby any more.  She will need a bit of persuasion, Follow my steps and eventually you will be able to throw them in the bin!!