01/28/2026
February Focus: Is It a Phase or a Functional Red Flag? 🚩
As parents, we often chalk up quirks to "just being a kid." But sometimes, those small habits are actually whispers from the nervous system or airway. This February, we’re looking closer at the Functional Red Flags that often go unnoticed during the busyness of the school year.
If you’re seeing these signs, your child’s body might be working overtime just to keep up:
📺 Open Mouth Rest
Is your child’s mouth hanging open while they watch TV or sleep? Habitual mouth breathing can impact facial development, oxygen intake, and even dental health. "Mouth breathing" isn't just a habit; it’s a sign the body is searching for a better way to breathe.
😴 Restless Sleep
Does the bed look like a tornado hit it every morning? Tossing, turning, or teeth grinding are often signs of a sleep-disordered breathing struggle. If they aren't resting, they aren't recovering.
🥦 Picky Eating (Beyond the "No Veggies" Phase)
Do they struggle with specific textures, gag easily, or take an unusually long time to chew and swallow? This can often be linked to oral motor dysfunction or "tongue ties" rather than just being "difficult" at dinner.
Get the Full Parent’s Guide 📩
Understanding the why behind these behaviors is the first step toward true wellness. We’re breaking down the science behind these and other myofunctional red flags—and what to do about them—in our weekly newsletters.
Join our community to get expert insights delivered to your inbox:
Step-by-step guides on airway health.
Tips for supporting "picky" eaters.
How to improve your family's sleep hygiene; and more.
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