Life is stressful, right from birth. That's why babies cry.

   Thumb sucking is a stress response, creating a feedback loop
   that says, ''I'm still here and everything is ok as long as I'm
   still here.''

   (that's my interpretation)

   Studies with rats in cages have shown that stress responses can
   be reduced to zero when they're in what's called ''enriched
   environments'' Plenty of food, water, space, diversions, few
   restrictions on behavior.

   Play.

   There's needs to be more play and less structure. There. That's
   how I'd change the world.

   ...just keep the knives, fire and drainplugs away. Oh and things
   with lids and hinges and heavy things balanced on unstable
   shelves... oh and soften hard surfaces...

   Great.. I've just advocated rubber rooms for all.

   Oh wait - then you have latex allergies... dang it. Hm,
   Plastics! Oh, but the environment... and volitile organic
   compounds...

   Ugh. Just keep a stack of bandaids, an Epipen and some sticks
   and wraps for broken bones. There. Solved. Sort of.... not
   really.