Clinical Tip: A fun sendoff for the pacifier

When it is time for a child to give up the pacifier (at the parents' discretion but no later than 3 years of age), parents can ease the transition by throwing a "paci party" to celebrate a new stage of maturity. The party might include small presents for the child to unwrap and the usual party food, such as ice cream. At the end of the party, the parents drop the pacifier into the waste basket with an air of finality. Warn parents to look for any pacifiers that may be lost around the house and discard them before the party.

William Lies III, MDDothan, Ala.