As adults, we usually take too much for granted when dealing with children. We expect them to behave in a certain way and be able to perform some tasks that, whether we like it or not, require a learning process in which we must play an active role. As simple as it seems, blowing the nose to remove mucus belongs to this list of actions that kids need to master at some point in their developing process. But how can you succeed in making your child reach such a milestone? Let’s find out!
If you have a baby, the answer is clear: you can use a bulb syringe or a nasal aspirator to clear your munchkin’s stuffy nose, which will help the little one breathe, sleep and eat better. Yet, as he or she grows up, you will have to become your kid’s ‘nasal-blowing coach’. Here are a few tips to help you in the process:
1- Blowing air, the first step
One of the keys lies in blowing air out of the nose, but that’s not something kids learn naturally as it happens with breathing. It demands an intention since the child has to associate it with a specific situation or action. It’s easier for children to learn how to blow air with their mouth in the first place, so this could be a good starting point. You can make the process fun by introducing him or her to some games such as blowing bubbles or candles (as if it were a birthday celebration!).
2- Getting to grips with the nose
Once your toddler has become a ‘(mouth) blowing machine’, it’s time to focus on the nose, over which children need control. Have your son or daughter cover his or her mouth and promote some breathing attempts, which should result in nasal inhalation and exhalation. Plus, encourage your little ones to put their hands below their nose so that they can feel the air coming out of the nostrils, which will help kids understand the effect of the action. Also, take the opportunity to let your child get familiar with his or her nostrils (for example, by covering one and then breathing in).
3- The beginning of a great friendship (with tissues!)
At this point, you should probably introduce your child to tissues, what they are used for and how. A good piece of advice is that you start blowing your nose in front of your sweetheart, thus somehow initiating kind of an imitation game. Once you are done, hold the tissue to your kid’s nose and wait for him or her to blow it with the nose. If your child doesn’t succeed right away, don’t get nervous and try adding new elements to the activity, like offering different tissue papers (texture, smell and so on) as he or she may pick a favorite one to hold and train with.
4- Avoid ‘coaching’ when your child is sick
You shouldn’t teach such ‘nasal-blowing lessons’ when your child is sick, as that can make the process extra hard. Do it when your kid’s nasal passageways are clear instead. When children finally know how to blow their nose properly, then it’s a good idea to test their new skills while being ill.
5- Promote cleanliness
If you want to round off the whole process, you should also teach your child to throw away the tissues after using them and, if possible, to wash his or her hands as well. That can do nothing but benefit all family members in terms of hygiene.
As you can see, this is not a difficult mission for you and your kid. However, it may require some patience on your part and it can sometimes lead to temper tantrums. To avoid ‘drama’, don’t forget to praise every single goal achieved by your little one!
