There is a great parenting strategy I think we should all subscribe to; don’t remove a coping mechanism or survival strategy from a child unless you have something better to replace it with. Don’t create a vacuum if you are not prepared to fill it. Vacuums by definition cannot remain unfilled. If you’re not equipped to replace your child’s survival strategy with something that helps them, don’t take the strategy away. Let them keep it until you can help them because if you don’t they will develop another coping strategy.