How to Spot the Real Signs and Shift Your Child’s Future
We’ve all heard it:
“Kids go through phases.”
“They’ll grow out of it.”
“It’s just picky eating.”
“Just get them to bed earlier.”
But what if those “phases” are actually the body asking for help?
What if your child’s snoring, mouth breathing, fidgeting, or food avoidance isn’t something to wait out but something you can intervene in right now?
Let’s talk about the signs most parents miss, the small shifts that change everything, and how to start seeing your child’s growth through a functional lens.
🚩 Common… but Not Normal
Here’s what I want every parent to know:
Just because something is common doesn’t make it normal.
If your child is showing any of these signs, they may be struggling with airway or oral functionissues that affect everything from sleep to behavior:
- 😴 Snoring or mouth breathing during sleep
- 🛌 Restless nights or trouble staying asleep
- 🥄 Picky eating or avoiding chewy foods
- 💬 Speech delays or lisping
- 🤯 Difficulty focusing or regulating emotions
- 😠 Meltdowns, anxiety, or fatigue during the day
These aren’t random.
They’re patterns.
And they’re often tied to how the face, jaw, and airway are developing.
The Mouth-Body Connection Most Providers Don’t Talk About
Most of us were taught the mouth is for teeth.
We were told to brush, floss, and go to the dentist twice a year.
But here’s the truth:
The mouth is where:
- Breathing begins
- Chewing signals brain development
- Airway growth is supported or stalled
- The nervous system finds safety or stays in survival mode
If the tongue doesn’t rest properly…
If the child breathes through their mouth instead of their nose…
If soft foods replace chewing…
We’re not just talking about cavities or crooked teeth.
We’re talking about developmental shifts in the body and brain.
The 5 Tiny Shifts That Change Everything
You don’t need a diagnosis. You don’t need more pills.
You might need a support or referrals to the right person who can help.
Here’s where you can start right now, at home:
1. Chew More
Crunchy, chewy foods like raw carrots, jerky, celery, or apples help strengthen the jaw and stimulate the brain.
They also support wider palates and better breathing.
2. Nourish Smarter
Foods rich in Vitamin D, Vitamin K2, and magnesium build strong bones and support calm.
Try egg yolks, sardines, pumpkin seeds, or grass-fed butter.
3. Train the Tongue
At rest, the tongue should sit on the roof of the mouth.
Lips closed.
Breathing through the nose.
This one shift can help shape the face and regulate the nervous system.
4. Observe the Clues
Watch your child’s posture, mouth, and breathing — especially at night.
Snoring, open-mouth posture, or grinding are major red flags.
5. Ask Better Questions
Ask your dentist or pediatrician about:
- Tongue posture
- Jaw growth
- Airway size
- Sleep quality
You are your child’s greatest advocate and the questions you ask could change their future.
You’re Not Late. You’re Right on Time.
When I started learning this, I didn’t overhaul everything overnight.
I swapped one snack.
I started listening more closely to how my daughter breathed at night and slowly things changed.
Tiny, intentional shifts create massive transformation over time.
You don’t have to be perfect.
You just have to be curious.
Willing to notice. Willing to act.
Want Help Spotting the Signs?
I’ve created a free guide just for you:
📥 Download the 10 Red Flags Checklist
This simple tool will show you what to look for and what steps to take next.
➡️ https://shereewertz.com/10-redflags
