The Myo Back-to-School Toolkit: Tools & Routines That Set Your Child Up for Success

If you’re the type of parent who reads labels, follows holistic accounts, and keeps a running list of “safe” products, this one’s for you. 

Back-to-school season is the perfect time to reset routines—and that includes habits that support your child’s breathing, feeding, and speech development. As a myofunctional therapist, I see how the little things—like straw choice or sleep position—can make a big difference over time. 

Here’s a simple toolkit to support your child’s oral function and overall wellness this school year. Straw Cups > Sippy Cups 

Skip the hard-spout sippy cups that promote tongue thrusting and improper oral posture. Choose straw cups with a gentle draw that encourages lip closure and tongue elevation. Look for ones that aren’t too soft or too hard—think “just enough resistance” to get a good oral workout. 

Some of my favorite brands: TalkTools Honey Bear Cup, Elk and Friends Straw Cups, and the Thinkbaby Stainless Steel Bottles with silicone straws. 

Chew-Friendly Lunchbox Snacks 

Chewing is a myo exercise in itself. Offer snacks that require more chewing (like apple slices, carrots, dried mango, or seaweed crisps) and skip the overly soft, melt-in-your-mouth foods when possible. 

This helps strengthen jaw muscles and supports oral-motor development. Posture Boosters for Homework Time 

Sitting posture affects breathing, and breathing affects focus. Make sure your child’s feet touch the floor or a sturdy footstool during homework or meals. Their back should be supported, and screens or paper should be at eye level to avoid neck strain. 

If your child constantly slouches, leans, or lays down to do homework—those are little signs we may want to dig deeper. 

Myo-Friendly Morning & Night Routines 

A few simple swaps can go a long way: 

● Adding Xlear nasal spray before school and bed to support nasal breathing

● Encourage lip balm instead of lip licking (great for preventing dryness and supporting lip seal) 

● Use a short breathing game or song during toothbrushing time to help your child become more aware of how they’re breathing 

These daily rhythms gently reinforce better habits without overwhelm. 

When to Ask for Support 

If your child mouth breathes, struggles with chewing, or has speech and sleep concerns, there’s no shame in asking questions. Myofunctional therapy isn’t just about exercises—it’s about building routines and tools that help your child thrive. 

At OroGlow, we offer free consultations (virtual or in-person) so you can learn what’s normal, what’s not, and what small changes can make a big impact. 

OroGlow is a holistic speech and myofunctional therapy practice based in Abilene, Texas and serving families virtually across the U.S. We support parents who want real answers, root-cause care, and practical tools that actually fit into daily life!