blowing nose problems

[davmon]

So my ds is 4.5 yo and has a pretty chronically stuffy nose. He's generally pretty good at picking up new things but doesn't know how to blow his nose and I'm at my wits end trying to figure out how to teach him. This morning is probably the 4th or 5th time I've tried over the last year or so. I've tried having him blow out his mouth and then closing it, having him blow on a cotton bowl, etc and all he does is suck his snot deeper and deeper into his sinus cavities (sorry about the graphic description). It's to the point that I don't even want to try to get him to blow his nose b/c all he does is suck in. Has anyone else had this problem and how did you solve it??????

TIA -

Mona

[sbgrace]

I have that problem with one of my sons. One twin blows his the other still just sucks in his snot. I don't know what to suggest but wanted you to know you aren't alone. What I've been doing is showing my non-blower by blowing air out my nose onto his hand and then sucking it in on his hand (I'm not snotty...I guess this sounds gross) so he can fee the difference. I ask him to do it on my hand but so far just sucking in. But different things work for different kids so I thought I'm mention it. When my guy is really goopy I use a saline wash to try to get some gunk out. He hates it but I hate him not being able to breath unless he sneezes.

[lolar2]

I read a few years ago that sucking in is actually better because blowing the nose creates too much pressure, or something. http://www.exn.ca/Stories/1999/09/29/65.asp

[4evermom]

My ds (5 1/2) refuses to try to blow at all. But at least he will wipe what drips out himself, now.

[srain]

My son is SIX and can't blow his nose, either, despite instruction. It's especially frustrating because when he was 18 months old, he could; he forgot at some point between 3 and 4.

[Hatteras Gal]

My almost 5 yo can't blow her nose. She just sucks it up. I have tried every single thing I can think of to teach her and so far nothing has worked.