DEAR ABBY: Like many others, I can't say I've read your column for years because I'm only 11 years old. But I have read it a great many times.
I have a very bad habit. I suck my thumb and bite my nails. In fact, I've bitten one of my nails so low it started to bleed without my knowing it. It doesn't even hurt. I started sucking my thumb when I was about 3 years old; then I started biting my nails when I was about 6.
Whenever I catch myself, I take my hands away, or try to "hurt" my hand. Usually my family catches me when I'm not aware of what I'm doing. Abby, please help me, and sign this ... THUMB IN MOUTH AND NO NAILS
DEAR THUMB: Try this. Put a rubber band on your wrist, and when you get the urge to suck your thumb or bite your nails, snap the rubber band hard enough to remind you to resist those old habits.