Is 4 Too Old For A Pacifier?

Is 4 too old for a toddler to suck on a pacifier?  Check out little Suri Cruise.  She goes from Little Diva with high heel shoes and a Starbuck drink one day to a toddler needing to suckle the next.  I struggled with my grandson and whether he was too old to continue with his Nip Nip at age 2.  I can't imagine him walking around at age 5 with a pacifier in his mouth.  Anyway, we decided that we should wean him from the Nip Nip at 2.5 years.  I'm happy that we did.  Most doctors recommend that parents wean their children from the pacifier before they turn 1.  Miss Suri will be turning 5 next month. 

My grandson lived his Nip Nip.  He used it to sooth himself often.  We gradually switched to giving it to him at nap and bedtime only.  We weaned him altogether when we moved him into his big boy bed.  When I see children Suri's age breastfeeding and still using a pacifier, I wonder what's up with the parents.  Is it laziness or just not wanting to hear their child cry if they wean them?  Could it be that they can't tell their children no?  Reminds me of the parents who are suing McDonalds because their children want a Happy Meal and they have to tell them no, lol.  Not being able to say no to your child is a problem in itself, and the problem is with the adult.   

If Suri was attending public school, she would have to leave her pacifier home.  If not, she would be a target for bullies or the butt of jokes by her schoolmates.  Yes there are 5 year old bullies,  but that's a conversation for another time.  It's doubtful that school adminstrators would allow a 5 year old to bring a pacifier to school either.  The fact that she will be privately tutored may be a reason why Katie Holmes and Tom Cruise don't see a need to wean her at this time.

Regardless of whether you're a star or not, some parenting skills are universal.   When we lack the ability to tell our children no we aren't doing them any favors.  Take a look at Paris Hilton and Nicole Richie before she matured and became a mother. Drew Berrymore was another troubled teen and I could go on, but I'm sure you understand where I'm coming from.  Children need limits and guidance.   I wonder what Katie Holmes' explanation would be if asked why she's allowing Suri to use a pacifier at age 5. 

Would her explanation be acceptable to me.  No.  Would it be acceptable to you?  Do you believe age 5 is appropriate for a child to still be using a pacifier?  Please leave us a comment.  We would love to know your opinion.