Mewing for Kids: Teaching Proper Tongue Posture from an Early Age
Mewing is the practice of resting the tongue on the roof of the mouth.
It is a natural tongue posture that has many benefits for children, including:
- Improved facial structure: Mewing can help to widen the palate, improve the jawline, and straighten the teeth.
- Better breathing: Mewing helps to open up the airway and improve nasal breathing. This can lead to reduced snoring, improved sleep quality, and increased energy levels.
- Reduced risk of orthodontic problems: Mewing can help to prevent crooked teeth and overbites.
- Improved overall health: Mewing has been linked to a number of health benefits, including improved posture, reduced stress levels, and improved digestion.
Mewing can be taught to children from a young age, and it is important to start early to get the best results. The ideal time to start teaching mewing is when the child is still developing their facial structure, around the age of 5–7.
Here are some tips for teaching mewing to kids:
- Make it fun: Try to make mewing a game or activity that your child will enjoy. You can sing songs, make funny faces, or even tell stories while your child is mewing.
- Be patient: It may take some time for your child to learn how to mew correctly. Don’t get discouraged if they don’t get it right away. Just keep practicing and they will eventually get the hang of it.
- Use reminders: You can use stickers, rewards, or even just gentle reminders to help your child remember to mew throughout the day.
Here is a simple exercise that you can use to teach your child how to mew:
- Have your child sit up straight with their mouth closed.
- Instruct them to place the tip of their tongue just behind their front teeth, on the ridge of the palate.
- Have them press their tongue up against the roof of their mouth, all the way back to the molars.
- Hold the position for 5–10 seconds.
- Repeat 10–20 times.
Your child may find it difficult to mew at first, but with practice, it will become easier. You can help them by placing your finger on their chin and gently guiding their tongue into the correct position.
It is important to note that mewing is not a miracle cure. It will take time and effort to see results. However, if your child is consistent with their mewing practice, they will start to see noticeable improvements in their facial structure, breathing, and overall health.
Here are some additional tips for teaching mewing to kids:
- Use positive reinforcement: When your child is mewing correctly, be sure to praise them. This will help them to stay motivated and continue practicing.
- Make it a family affair: If other members of your family are also interested in mewing, you can do it together. This can make it more fun and motivating for your child.
- Be patient: It may take some time for your child to see results, but with consistent practice, they will eventually reach their goals.
If you have any concerns about teaching mewing to your child, be sure to talk to their dentist or orthodontist. They can provide you with additional guidance and support.