Teach a Child How to Blow Their Nose

You had a baby, but they are growing up. There are so many things to teach them, and so little time. You've conquered the basics...how to eat, drink from a cup, walk. They are easy. Your child can tell just by watching you and figure out what to do. Some things might take a little practice, but they will get there. But learning to blow their nose is a hard one.

How can you teach them that? They can't watch you and see what you are doing. They don't understand, and will almost always breathe in when you are trying to get them to blow out.

It's confusing, and they get frustrated, mad, or sad. They can't seem to complete this simple task, and if you don't figure something out quick, their self-esteem is going out the window.

Well it is simple, but you need to pick a time when they aren't tired or sick. If they are tired, they won't concentrate or listen to what you are saying. If they are sick, the last thing they need is to think they are failing. They don't feel good.

Now that you have a relatively rested and well child, get a candle and some matches. I suppose I should say now that this lesson in 'blowing your nose' should be done under adult supervision, and that the child should never be left unattended with the lit candle. That being said, light the candle and hold it in front of them. Tell them to blow the candle out.

That was easy. They did it, and they will feel proud. Now light it again, but this time will be different. This time tell them to blow the candle out with their mouth shut. Tell them to blow it out with their nose. If they don't understand, have them close their mouth and just breathe. Now tell them to hold their hand under their nose. Point out the fact that they should feel air coming out the nose when they are breathing out.

Now ask them if they can make the air coming out the nose be faster by breathing out faster. Once they accomplish it, have them try to blow the candle out. It might take a few tries, but eventually it will work. Once they get it, let them do it over and over, getting them to blow out harder and harder. Now give them a tissue.