This advice-column-style blog for SLPs was authored by Pam Marshalla from 2006 to 2015, the archives of which can be explored here. Use the extensive keywords list found in the right-hand column (on mobile: at the bottom of the page) to browse specific topics, or use the search feature to locate specific words or phrases throughout the entire blog.
Blowing the Nose
By Pam Marshalla
Q: How do you teach a child to blow his nose?
This has worked for me a few times-
- Teach them to pant in-and-out though the mouth.
- Then teach them how to sniff in and out through the nose.
- Once they can get the air moving in and out through the nose, teach them to push breathe more deeply with each sniff in and out.
- Gradually put more emphasis on the outgoing air.
- Gradually make the outward sniff a blow through the nose.
I have a “race” blowing a tissue across a table while keeping your mouth closed.
Great question and another great strategy from Pam! I love these emails and use them in practice all the time!
Thank you for this wonderful process. I like it better than what I do. It is quicker and makes more sense to the young child. I find that if I am having a child do some or all of Sarah Rosenfeld Johnson’s horn program, they can usually blow their nose when completed with the program. By the way, thank you again for all of your words of wisdom. I continually learn from you and appreciate it very much.