The only way I know is by sucking a bubble to the end and then inflating. But I do not like putting my mouth on the balloon in front of the kids because it gives them ideas.

Anyone got any advice on how to do it without using the mouth to start the end?

From experience - stretch the tip, then hold the rest of the balloon as you inflate, forcing the air into the weakest part of the balloon.

Hope this helps.

I always put excessive onto the pump nozzle and then with my other hand hold this around the balloon so the far end of the balloon is the only place that can inflate.