04/08/2026
As a myofunctional therapist who works a LOT with kids, this 10-second habit before bed is a total game changer 👏
Some parents know their child struggles with breathing — open mouth posture, snoring, loud breathing.
But other kids? They’re the sneaky ones.
They breathe shallow.
They adapt.
They sit in that forward head posture.
And they hide it well.
So we assume their breathing is fine… when it’s not.
✨ Here’s your nightly check (takes 10 seconds):
1️⃣ Block one side of the nose
2️⃣ Inhale through the nose (like smelling a flower 🌸)
3️⃣ Exhale through the nose (like blowing out a candle 🕯️… but with the nose)
4️⃣ Repeat on the other side
You’re listening for: silent, smooth airflow
🚩 Whistling
🚩 Congestion sounds
🚩 Struggle or restriction
If you hear it — that’s information. And information is power.
👉 What to do next:
• Encourage nose blowing (one side at a time)
• Use saline nasal spray on each side
• Do this every day — it sets them up for better sleep than if they had restriction
• If there’s a complete blockage, have your primary health care provider take a look — they may refer to ENT
• If ongoing congestion or mouth breathing is constant, schedule an Orofacial Myofunctional Evaluation
Small habit. Big impact. Better sleep, better breathing, better development.