I'd like to remind all of you that my research on a natural age of weaning
suggests any where from 2.5 to 7.0 years.  Some of these kids who "need"
pacifiers even though they were nursed til two or three years are most
likely those kids who would have nursed til 6 or 7 if allowed.  Much as I
dislike pacifiers during the nursing years, and would prefer the child's own
thumb or fingers afterwards, I think we need to recognize that the need to
suck can be a legitimate need, not just a habit, and not necessarily a sign
of something wrong.  One of the kindergardeners at Alexander's school has a
pacifier in his mouth every morning.  I think it's wonderful that his
parents *and* the school are letting him keep himself on an even keel this
way.  My own Alex has been asking to nurse again every night!  If you see an
older child with a pacifier, please don't be so quick to criticize him/her
or the parents.



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Katherine A. Dettwyler, Ph.D.                         email: [log in to unmask]
Anthropology Department                               phone: (409) 845-5256
Texas A&M University                                    fax: (409) 845-4070
College Station, TX  77843-4352