Our personal hygiene has always been a priority and how to develop that in our children is an important role that we have. But since covid has hit the whole world, it became a life or death matter. And one of the main reasons why we should teach our children personal hygiene is that the more they grow up the harder it gets to plant habits in them.
The Importance of Personal Hygiene for Children
- One of the main reasons to help your children by teaching them personal care and hygiene is to protect them from germs and diseases that could easily affect them.
- Strengthening their immune system is on the top list of why you should teach your children how to take care of themselves.
- Also keeping a nice body odor is a necessity for your child to have, even when they sweat it won’t be that hard if they do take good care about their personal hygiene.
- On the same hand, it boosts their own self-confidence, since having a bad breath, or a not-very-nice odor can cause other children to flee, which affects the child’s confidence and mental health.
The Importance of Personal Hygiene for Your Children
You have to have a hygiene talk with your child. First of all, explain why we care about personal hygiene, then move to the very little details of how to do it. A pro tip; be his own role model, if they can see it, they can do it. And start by explaining:
Washing Hands
On the top of your list with your child is teaching them the importance of washing their hands. Even before covid-19 hits, we all knew the importance of washing your hand to avoid germs and bacteria, especially in these situations:
- Once they work up.
- After using the toilet.
- After eating.
- After touching pets.
- After visiting someone sick.
- After coming back from outside.
- Right before going to sleep.
Brushing Their Teeth
The moment they grow their baby teeth, you can teach them the right way to brush. Grab some popcorn and start watching a Youtube video that explains the right way to do so. Make sure you buy them a brush that encourages them to start brushing; something colorful with some cartoon characters on it. And remember, doctors recommend you brush your teeth twice a day for 2 minutes each.
Cutting Nails
Something that lots of parents fail to highlight for their children is the importance of cleaning and cutting their nails, and how vital is that for their personal hygiene. They will get used to it by seeing you doing it, it’s the best way. Then, you will help them cut their nails many times, until you feel they are old enough to try things out on their own. Side note; make them use children’s scissors to make sure they don’t hurt themselves.
Changing Clothes & Underwear Daily
Even if it smells and looks clean, you have to teach your children to change their clothes and especially underwear every day. This will encourage them to keep a nice smell going on, and later on will make them hang and take care of their clothes, such as their school uniform.
Covering Your Nose and Mouth When Coughing & Sneezing
It’s also etiquette, not only a personal hygiene thing to cover your mouth and nose when sneezing. It avoids you and any other infections. This could be a chance to teach your child how to do it, and how to use a tissue, blow their nose, and use the bin as well.