Teaching your children about personal hygiene when they are young is essential. Practicing personal hygiene at a young age gives the little ones an orientation they will continue with all their lives.
Personal hygiene is about the clean habits we must form to prevent common and dangerous infections or illnesses. Your children may not be able to clean themselves properly, but actively listening, observing, and attempting to perform the actions will be fun, and it is the start of the learning process.
Here are some of the reasons you should teach your children about personal hygiene, especially from an early age;
1. Fewer Visits to the Hospital
Every parent dreads visits to the hospital, the little children can hardly cope with uncomfortable symptoms of illnesses, and it is a disturbing experience for the parents. Also, hospital visits mean you will need to pay some hospital bills.
2. Weak Immune System
Young children are more susceptible to infections caused by harmful bacteria. Personal hygiene routine will significantly lower the chances of an infection occurring.
3. No worries about Bad Breath or Body Odor
Children who understand the importance of personal hygiene and the need to go through a daily routine will not need to worry about issues such as bad breath, rotting teeth, or body odor.
4. Self-Confidence
Learning about personal hygiene and participating in the routine will make your child more confident. The satisfaction from successfully performing a cleaning habit is amazing; your children will enjoy the experience.
What you Should Teach the Children
Your approach to teaching your children about personal hygiene will depend on the age of your child and their level of comprehension. However, parental guidance is essential regardless of what you are teaching your child.
Here are some tips to get started;
Teaching your Child how to Wash their Hands
This will be fun. Your child will enjoy splashing the water at first. After a good laugh, focus on the lesson. Tell your child stories about the bacteria around us and how it can get onto their hands. And how soap and water are effective in getting rid of all traces of bacteria on their hands.
Understanding the simple concept of handwashing and consequences such as stomach aches will help.
Covering the Mouth and Nose when Coughing or Sneezing
Explaining how germs are released when we cough or sneeze is the best approach. And a gentle reminder to always cover their nose or mouth will help your kids form this good habit.
Having a Bath
Bath time should be a fun time because many kids enjoy playing in the water. While they are at it, explain why we must bathe every day. Also, don’t forget to emphasize the need to conserve water while having a bath.
Brushing the Teeth
We have all gone down the path of struggling with kids when it is time to clean their teeth. However, explaining the importance of brushing the teeth to your growing child will help them enjoy the activity and want to learn how to brush their teeth independently.
Thankfully, these activities usually end happily, but remember, repetition will make it become a good habit. You can also help improve your child’s oral health by teaching them how to brush with braces.
