A Blog For Mums
If there’s one universal truth about childhood, it’s that at some point, every child becomes a proud nose picker. It usually starts innocently enough — a curious little finger, a moment of quiet concentration — but before you know it, you’re watching in horror as they go for the full “snack”. It’s one of those grim-but-funny realities of parenthood that nobody warns you about, yet every parent faces.
As much as we joke about it, nose picking and bogie eating (sorry — there’s really no delicate way to put that) is a habit worth addressing. Not just because it’s unpleasant, but because it can spread germs, cause nosebleeds, and make social situations… awkward, to say the least. So, let’s get into why kids do it, and more importantly, how to help them stop — without turning it into a daily battle of wills.
Before you can help them stop, it’s useful to understand why they’re doing it. Most of the time, it’s not rebellion or bad manners — it’s instinct. Children’s noses are smaller and can easily get blocked with dried mucus, especially during colds or allergy season. They pick because it’s there and it’s bothering them.
Sometimes, it’s simply boredom or curiosity. Small children spend a lot of time discovering what their bodies can do — picking their nose is just another experiment in self-exploration. And once they discover that the bogies are tangible (and, disturbingly, edible), it can become a little sensory habit.
For older kids, it might turn into an absent-minded thing, like biting nails or twirling hair. It’s soothing, repetitive, and often happens without them realising they’re doing it.
Let’s be honest: the gross factor alone might be enough motivation to stop the habit. But beyond that, there are some actual health concerns.
Picking can irritate the inside of the nose, leading to small cuts and nosebleeds. Constant touching also increases the risk of spreading germs — both to and from the nose. And when fingers go straight from nose to mouth, it’s a perfect little transport system for bacteria and viruses.
So, while it’s a fairly harmless phase for most, it’s still one worth tackling sooner rather than later.
The worst thing you can do is react with disgust or anger. As revolting as it might look, making them feel embarrassed will only push the behaviour underground. You’ll just end up with a child who hides their habit rather than one who stops it.
Try to keep your tone calm and matter-of-fact. A simple “Let’s grab a tissue instead” works much better than “Stop doing that, it’s disgusting!” You want to redirect, not reprimand.
You can even use a bit of gentle humour — “Hey, no digging for treasure today!” — to lighten the mood while still making your point.
If the issue is dryness or blocked noses, help them manage that in a practical way. Keep tissues handy everywhere — in their pocket, by the bed, in the car. Sometimes kids pick because it’s easier than asking for a tissue or getting up to find one.
If they get a lot of dry crusts or blocked nostrils, a saline nasal spray can help keep things comfortable and reduce the temptation to pick. It’s also worth checking if the air at home is too dry — a humidifier in their bedroom can make a big difference, especially in winter.
For children with allergies, treating the underlying cause will help too. If they’re constantly sniffling or rubbing their nose, talk to your GP or pharmacist about antihistamines or allergy sprays suitable for their age.
If nose picking happens mostly when they’re bored or zoned out — say, watching TV or in the car — then it’s worth finding other ways to occupy their hands. A soft toy, stress ball, or fidget spinner can help keep their fingers busy and away from their face.
For younger kids, it can help to make it into a little game. You could say, “Let’s see if your hands can stay on your lap for one whole episode of Bluey!” or give them something to hold onto during quiet moments.
You’re not punishing the behaviour — just replacing it with something more acceptable.
When you catch them mid-pick, don’t make a scene. Just give a light-hearted prompt — something simple and consistent, like “Tissue time!” or “Hands down, please.”
The goal is to interrupt the behaviour before it becomes automatic. Over time, these small nudges help them become more aware of what they’re doing.
For older kids, you can even enlist their help. Ask them if they notice when they start doing it. Building awareness can be surprisingly effective — many kids genuinely don’t realise how often it happens.
This is the part that really makes parents wince, but it’s surprisingly common among young children. Experts say it’s partly curiosity, partly habit, and sometimes even linked to taste exploration (kids really do have no filter).
You don’t need to go into detail about bacteria or diseases — just make it clear that bogies are not food. Keep explanations simple and factual: “That’s waste from your body, and we throw waste away.”
Some parents find it helps to use mild natural consequences, like saying, “If you want to clean your nose, you can use a tissue. If you eat it, we’ll need to wash your hands and brush your teeth.” It’s not punishment — just reinforcing the idea that this is something we clean, not consume.
It sounds obvious, but children copy what they see. If they watch you using a tissue, washing your hands, and being matter-of-fact about it, they’ll eventually follow suit. Make nose-blowing part of the normal routine — before bed, after breakfast, whenever they feel blocked up.
You can even turn it into a mini self-care habit: “Let’s clean our noses before story time.” The more normal and unembarrassing it feels, the less appeal nose picking will have.
Like any habit, this takes time. Most kids grow out of it naturally as they become more aware of social cues — especially once school friends start commenting.
Until then, patience and consistency are your best tools. Every calm reminder and every “here’s a tissue instead” moment adds up. And yes, it might feel like a long road, but one day you’ll realise it’s been weeks since you last had to say anything.
And that, in the world of parenting, will feel like a minor miracle.
Dealing with nose picking isn’t glamorous, but it’s one of those oddly universal parenting challenges that everyone faces, even if few admit it. It’s a mix of biology, boredom, and habit — not a sign you’ve failed as a parent.
With a little patience, a good sense of humour, and an endless supply of tissues, you’ll help your child kick the habit. And one day, you’ll look back and laugh about the “bogie years” — preferably while washing your hands.
Parenthood
