One of the most powerful (and often overlooked) places to start myofunctional therapy is with habit elimination. Seemingly simple habits like thumb sucking, pacifier use, nail biting, and mouth breathing can have a surprisingly big impact on development.

Why? Because these habits interfere with ideal tongue posture, breathing patterns, and muscle development—leading to a ripple effect that touches speech, feeding, sleep, and orthodontic outcomes.

Here’s why focusing on habit elimination early in therapy can change everything:

It sets the stage. You can’t correct tongue posture if a child is still using a pacifier. You can’t train nasal breathing if the mouth is always open. Eliminating the habit is the first domino.

It empowers the family. When parents see change happening fast, they get excited. They’re more likely to follow through on your home program and tell their friends.

It builds momentum. Many SLPs report that after a successful habit elimination phase, everything else falls into place more smoothly.

The key is using a structured, supportive approach—not shame or scare tactics. Kids don’t cling to habits to be difficult. These behaviors often provide comfort, regulation, or sensory input. That’s why your job is to:

Educate families on why the habit matters.

Offer a step-by-step replacement plan with tools, visuals, and daily check-ins.

Celebrate progress—every small win counts!

Tongue ties can also complicate this process. If a child has a restricted lingual frenulum, the habit may have developed as a compensation. In those cases, collaboration with a release provider and post-op therapy are essential. Knowing when to refer and how to guide families through the process is part of being an informed, empowered SLP.

Simon Says Speech’s Thumbs Up! program gives you everything you need to eliminate oral habits gently and effectively. With done-for-you handouts, tracking sheets, and family coaching scripts, you’ll have everything you need to get kids unstuck and on track.

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