Buteyko Breathing Educational Programs for Children

The Buteyko Breathing Technique is an alternative approach and is not the practice of medicine, psychology, or a form of psychotherapy, nor is it a substitute for seeking medical or psychological advice from an appropriate professional health-care provider. We want to make the important distinction between using the Buteyko Breathing Technique for health and well-being and the practice of medicine, psychology or any other licensed health-care profession.

Children as young as 4 can learn the Buteyko Breathing Technique.  While we can't provide guarantees, it's possible for a a child's respiratory illness to improve with the Buteyko Breathing Technique. The class gives children the opportunity to learn to clear their nose and start breathing through it rather than their mouth, then learning simple Buteyko exercises.

Reasons for kids to learn Buteyko Breathing

  • Physically restore their breathing to a natural healthy pattern while it's easy to do, before the imbalance gets too set.
  • Possibly better sleep.  Disturbed nighttime breathing resulting in poor sleep has been linked to low academic performance and behavior issues like ADHD.
  • Possibly prevent the need for orthodontia.  Mouth breathers don't keep their tongue in the optimal position to shape their jaw wide enough to accommodate all their adult teeth, requiring extractions and braces. In the illustration below, see how the top jaw on the right is larger than the one on the left.

  • Allow the mouth and nasal cavities to develop and grow correctly in alignment with each other, with the right size and shape, possibly preventing snoring and sleep apnea now or later.

The material for the family of Buteyko kids to learn is identical to the adult course.  Parents come to a two-hour adult-only orientation before the children start for an overview of the course, the basic scientific theory behind the Method, and to learn and practice the main breathing exercise the children will do (which is different than the adult exercise).

We explore different imagery with children, mostly from the animal kingdom, to help quiet their breathing.  And part of the kids' exercise routine is active, wheras adults typically sit or stand the whole time. 

We play a lot of fun games with the children to bring the principles to life.

We can teach the children's course privately or in a group.  If you want to explore private sessions, know that it goes better when parents and other family members join in the games.

Pre-teens can choose whether to join a kids' or adult class.  Call us with questions.  Teens can handle the adult material.  We can also teach teen groups on request with at least three people.

To arrange a kids' course or a family course, please contact us.  We haven't scheduled a public group children's course for a while. Between adult work and kids' extracurricular schedules, we've found it hard to find consensus on what's a good time. 

A Milwaukee ear, nose and throat specialist discusses the negative impact of nasal obstruction and mouth breathing. Dr. Madan Kandula focuses on the impact on children and their dental and facial growth.

 

Kids Class General Schedule:

Session 1: Parents only.

Sessions 2-5: Parents and children

 

If your child looks like this at night, send him or her to class.  This girl is mouth breathing, and headed toward braces and possible respiratory illness. We'll teach her to breathe through her nose and restore her respiratory fitness.

 

Contact us to discuss your needs or arrange a kids' class.