Let's talk about motivation!
Staying consistent with myofunctional exercises can be hard. Here are five strategies to help you and your child stay motivated and make it a habit.
Let's be real — adding myofunctional exercises to an already busy schedule is hard. You're juggling school, work, meals, homework, and a hundred other things. And now someone is telling you to do tongue exercises twice a day? I get it.
But here's the truth: consistency is everything when it comes to making real progress. So let's talk about how to actually make it happen.
Remember Why You're Doing the Exercises
Create a personal mission statement. What specific outcome are you working toward? Better sleep? Improved focus at school? Fewer ear infections? Write it down and put it somewhere you'll see it every day — the bathroom mirror, the fridge, your phone lock screen. When motivation dips, your "why" will pull you back.
Incentives
Give yourself permission to reward yourself! A piece of chocolate, a cup of coffee, crossing something off your to-do list — whatever feels like a treat to you. Small rewards reinforce the habit and make the effort feel worthwhile.
Make It Fun
Turn exercise time into game time. Try a staring contest while you practice — whoever blinks first loses! You can also work exercises into existing games, like taking a turn in Checkers or Uno as a cue to do a round of exercises together.
Tie It to Existing Routines
The easiest habits are the ones that attach to something you already do. Try linking exercises to handwashing, car rides, TV time, or putting on shoes. When you stop thinking of it as a separate task and start thinking of it as part of the routine, it becomes much easier to stick to.
Keep It Simple
Done is better than perfect. You don't need a long, formal session — short bursts of practice throughout the day add up. Put sticky notes in key spots around your home as reminders. Even two or three minutes done consistently beats a perfect session that never happens.
I am so proud of every parent who shows up for their child and does the work. It's not always easy, but it is always worth it.
What strategies help you stay motivated? I'd love to hear — drop a comment or share on Instagram!
You've got this - let's go make some Myo Magic!