Breathing is something we rarely think about, yet it plays a powerful role in how children grow, sleep, speak, and regulate their emotions. In this episode of A Parent’s Guide to Child Development, we sit down with pediatric speech-language pathologist Luba Patlakh, founder of Kidology, Inc., to explore how breathing patterns and oral muscle strength affect everything from articulation and feeding to sleep quality and overall development. Luba breaks down this often-overlooked topic in a way that’s easy for parents to understand—and immediately useful.
Timestamps:
1:34 Breathing well and the importance of it
2:31 How parents can tell their child isn’t breathing properly
3:06 First step to watch in newborns
4:00 What to do if parents notice tongue tie in their children
4:11 What is the frenum, and where is it located?
4:32 What if your child’s frenum is tight?
5:10 What if the baby appears to be all stuffed up or is all clear, but still opens their mouth to breathe
5:43 How to determine the issue with the nasal passage
6:36 What would be wrong with the sinuses in your child
7:45 Common signs parents overlook in mouth breathers
8:48 Testing your breathing at home
9:28 What to do if parents are noticing these signs in their kids
9:50 How does breathing impact speech, sleep, & behavior?
12:37 How might a child who has autism or is a mouth breather feel?
14:04 How are breathing and oral muscle strength connected to speech development?
16:30 Will too much exterior air damage a child’s teeth?
18:19 Can you hear someone breathing through their mouth over a video/telephone
19:07 How to tell if someone is breathing with their mouth rather than their nose
19:35 Is there a link between breathing and a child’s ability to focus, self-regulate, and stay calm?
21:50 How does breathing with your mouth happen as a child?
22:48 Some teachings/training shown during a session.
24:00 How early can parents start working on healthy breathing habits with their children?
25:53 Do exercises of the mouth help?
27:39 Are there certain play, activities, or toys that can help in mouth development?
28:00 When should a parent seek help from a speech-language pathologist or a myofunctional therapist?
28:57 Are there other red flags that parents should know?
30:21 What kind of progress do you see in a child who has started therapy?
31:00 How does one make these exercises fun and engaging for young children?
31:30 Can breathing work complement other therapies like occupational or physical therapy?
33:42 The correlation between focusing too hard on something that one stops breathing.
33:41 What role do parents play outside of therapy sessions?
With over 15 years of experience in the field, Luba Patlakh Kaplun's expertise & compassion have shaped her approach to child development. She has built a thriving private practice, where her innovative & client-centered approach has empowered families to help their children achieve significant milestones in speech & development.
Contact info:
http://instagram.com/lubalove
http://facebook.com/lubalove
hhttps://www.instagram.com/kidologyinc/?hl=enAbout Fledglings' Flight:With our user-friendly app, parents and caregivers have access to a library of engaging exercises that change monthly. You can customize your daily routine by selecting exercises that align with your child's developmental needs. As a Basic Member, you can track your child's milestones and receive insights into their progress. For even more personalized guidance, our Premium Members gain access to a developmental profile.Follow us:Fledglings’ Flight: https://www.FledglingsFlight.comApp: https://app.FledglingsFlight.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/fledglingsflightTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@Fledglings.FlightFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/FledglingsFlightLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/fledglings-flightPinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/fledglingsflight/
Music: Purple Planet Music
