You may also notice that kiddos tend to lick their fingers in certain situations. Are they nervous about starting a new school? Perhaps their tongues find their fingers as they struggle to cope with something. Or, as the KidsHealth.org article suggests, the nexus may be boredom. Try to link the habit with the situation and deal with the root of the issue. Of course, keep in mind there are times when finger licking is truly innocent and may be unavoidable, no matter how irksome. Say you take your tots out for ice cream -- can you blame them for wanting to enjoy every last taste?