How to Blow Your Nose in 3 Steps With Games

How to Blow Your Nose in 3 Steps With Games

It might seem simple, but nose-blowing can be tricky for many kids. Many people sniff in the snot instead of blowing out the boogers. So, how exactly do you teach a child to blow their nose?

Teach kids how to blow nose

First, knowing why nose-blowing helps is important. Next, breaking down the steps can make it easier. Last but not least, practice makes progress.

Watching other people practice can be a big help. Check out the games and video demonstrations at the end of this article!

Why should a kid learn how to blow their nose?

Knowing why something is good makes you more likely to try it. That’s why it’s important to understand why we do the things we do!

So…why should you bother blowing your nose?

  • It can prevent boogers from clogging up the inside of the nose.
  • It can make less boogers drip down the back of the throat.
  • It can help you breathe through your nose.
  • It can help you feel better.

Why is nose-blowing often tricky for kids?

Your brain and body need to work together.

Body awareness

It takes time for kids to be aware of how stuffiness feels. Kids must also notice the difference between sniffling in and blowing out boogers.

Fine motor skills

Holding a tissue without crumpling it up can be tricky for little hands.

Asian child wiping stuffy nose - uncomfortable

Coordination

Doing more than one thing at a time, like pressing one nostril while holding a tissue, can be very complicated for kids.

But grown-ups can help! Kids can learn how to blow their nose without even touching a tissue.

Teach kids to blow their noses in 3 steps.

practice blowing air through mouth

STEP 1. Practice blowing air out the mouth and feeling the warm air on your hands.

Then, try blowing a tissue with the mouth, just like blowing out a candle.

STEP 2. Practice blowing air out the nose while the mouth is closed.

Then, try moving the tissue with the air from the nose. Covering the mouth can remind a child to close their lips.

practice blowing air through nose

STEP 3. Time to try getting snot out of the nose! Gently, of course.

This will be easier if a grown-up can help hold the tissue. Then, the child can focus on blowing boogers out the nose.

Later, kids will learn how to be coordinated. Someday, they can hold the tissue at the same time as blowing their nose!

Fun games that teach kids how to blow the nose

If the tissue tips don’t do the trick, no worries! Try these playful games:

  • Blow water with the mouth and then the nose. Did you see the ripples?
  • Blow a cotton ball or pom-pom with the mouth and then the nose. How far will it move?
  • Blow on a mirror with the mouth and then the nose. Does it fog up?

Kids can practice these nose-blowing games when they feel healthy.

Otherwise, everything could get pretty sticky and icky…

learn how to blow nose by blowing a cotton ball with the nose

More nose-blowing tips for kids

kids having fun washing hands and why it's important
  • Remember to wash your hands with soap and water after. Get rid of those slimy boogers!
  • Practice blowing your nose in the shower or bath. The shower steam can also help you feel better.
  • Put petroleum jelly around (but not inside) your nostrils! This protects your skin from getting red and irritated.
  • Saline (salt water) nose sprays or mist can help loosen hard boogers.

Video demonstration for kids

Need extra tips?

Watch pediatrician Dr. Betty Choi demonstrate nose-blowing tips.

The first video shows how to practice with a tissue. Sometimes, this is all kids need to figure it out.

But every child is different, and others need a little more practice. Games can be a big help!

The second video shows three fun ways to practice blowing through the mouth and nose.

More fun ways to learn about the nose and breathing

Human Body Learning has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on information from peer-reviewed research studies, academic institutions, and medical associations.


Published on September 8, 2022. Updated on January 23, 2024 by Betty Choi, MD

Published on September 8, 2022. Updated on January 23, 2024 by Betty Choi, MD

Dr. Betty Choi pediatrician

Betty Choi, MD

Dr. Betty Choi is a Harvard-trained pediatrician who makes learning fun and doable. She created the kids’ anatomy book Human Body Learning Lab, which Science Magazine recommended as a “notable standout in the genre.”