HELP...I have a 3 1/2 year old son who just can't seem to figure out how to blow his nose. He seems to have a touch of allergies, so between them and the colds in the winters he constantly walks around with a runny nose and it's disgusting. I read that you should give them a straw and let them blow bubbles in the tub to learn how to blow air through their nose, but it didn't work. We try to tell him to blow like a dragon...I don't know what to do. My older son just seemed to do it. Anyone know any tricks that might help me?
Tell him to act like he is blowing out a candle.
Then tell him to shut his mouth and blow the candle out with his nose.
Just be sure you are ready with that kleenex!
=)
Put a piece of tissue in his nose (sticking out), have him look in the mirror--looks funny! Then have him make it fly out! Silly, for kids....They love it, and it works!
First, try him on blowing bubbles.
When he's got that down, ask him to blow, then ask him to blow with his mouth closed.
Initially you hold a tissue to his nose when he does it and block one nostril at a time.
Tell him he can do this himself (but he should never block both nostrils at the same time).
I taught my 2 1/2 yo how to blow her nose by putting a tissue in front of her nose and telling her to try to blow it away without opening her mouth. (I made a little game out of it). It worked pretty well, though she's still not great at it. On the other hand, my 16 month old is an EXPERT nose blower, and has been for several months now!! I guess you just get it or you don't : )
Hold a tissue or piece of toilet paper in front of him and see if he can get it to move. Draw a picture on it and make him "fly the airplane" or "move the branches on the tree" - anything fun. Or use a dandelion if you can stand the seeds all over your lawn! Maybe take him to the park or a field for this one! I think the straw in the tub makes nice bubbles but it's tough to accomplish.
You could also address the causes of his allergies and colds rather than just treat the symptoms. We've all gotten rid of our allergies and no one takes any meds anymore.
Therapists use what are called "nose flutes", here is a link http://www.dysphagiaplus.com/nose-flutes-p-152.html?osCsi...
Basically, it's a whistle that fits up against their nostrils and when they blow through their nose, it makes its whistle noise.
Have him try to blow out a candle :)
