Teach Kids How to Blow Their Nose in 3 Steps

Teach kids how to blow nose

It might seem simple, but learning how to blow the nose can be tricky for many kids. Lots of kids end up sniffling in the snot rather than blowing out the boogers. So how exactly do you teach kids to blow their nose?

First, knowing why nose-blowing helps us is important. Next, breaking down the steps can be a big help. Last but not least, practice makes progress.

Watching other people walk through the process can be a big help. Check out the video demonstrations at the end of this article!

Why should kids learn how to blow their nose?

When you know why something is good for you, you’re 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 the nose.
  • It can make less boogers drip down the back of the throat.
  • It can help you feel better.
black child blowing nose and feels better
Asian child wiping stuffy nose - uncomfortable

Why is nose-blowing often tricky for kids?

Your brain and body need to work together during nose-blowing.

  • BODY AWARNESS – It takes time for kids to be aware of how stuffiness feels. Kids also need to 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.
  • COORDINATION – Doing more than 1 thing at a time, like pressing one nostril while holding a tissue, can be very complicated for kids. But grown-ups can help! The good news is that a child can learn how to blow their nose without even touching a tissue.
practice blowing air through mouth

Teach kids to blow their nose in 3 steps

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 kids to close their mouth.

practice blowing air through nose

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

If a grown-up can help hold the tissue, this can be very helpful. Then the child can just 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 ideas:

  • 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 you feel healthy.

Otherwise, everything could get pretty sticky and icky…

learn how to blow nose by blowing a cotton ball with the nose
kids having fun washing hands and why it's important

More nose-blowing tips for kids

  • Remember to wash hands with soap and water after. Get rid of those slimy boogers!
  • Practicing 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 from all of the rubbing.
  • Saline (salt water) nose sprays or mist can help loosen up hard boogers.

Video Showing Kids How to Blow Their Nose

Need extra tips?

Watch these videos for nose-blowing practice 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 and exploration can be a big help!

The second video gives 3 examples of fun ways to practice blowing through the mouth and then the nose.

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