To Build Cheek Strength:
1) Using a straw and blowing cotton balls across a table
2) Blowing bubbles into soapy water through a straw
To Build Tongue Strength and Range of Motion:
1) Placing peanut butter/yogurt/any puree on the corner of lips and having the child lick the peanut butter off. Make sure their head is staying still and the child is only using his or her tongue
2) Placing peanut butter, etc. behind upper front teeth and having the child open their mouth wide and use their tongue to get the peanut butter off
To Build Lip Strength:
1) Smacking lips together as loudly as possible (have a contest with the family!)
2) String floss through a one-inch button. Place the button between the lips and the teeth. Close lips around the button making sure the button is not behind the child’s teeth. Once the child’s lips are closed, play “Tug-of-War”. Pull the floss attached to the button (firmly, but not overpowering), and have the child try to keep the button in their mouth for 30 seconds