Joanna Fortune: My four-year-old has started to chew his lips 

"There might be a pattern to this behaviour. For example, a time of day; something that happens before he starts doing it; or a particular behaviour associated with it, such as tiredness, distress or feeling unwell."

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My four-year-old is a gentle boy and gets upset easily. About two months ago, he started to chew his lips, occasionally cutting them. I’ve asked him if anything is wrong but he says he’s fine. I’ve also spoken with his teacher, who said she hasn’t noticed a change in his behaviour. What would you suggest?

I wouldn’t jump to the conclusion that he is biting his lips out of anxiety.