It’s never too early to teach kids proper health and hygiene practices. More than taking care of their appearance, these habits are essential because they affect a child’s overall well-being.
Now more than ever, it’s crucial to train our little ones to be more enthusiastic about basic hygiene habits without us parents having to nag them to do so because they also help keep germs at bay to avoid infections and illnesses.
Establish these important habits early on as they will be useful to them for the rest of their lives.
1. Washing hands regularly and properly
Those tiny hands often come into contact with unclean surfaces throughout the day, so regular hand washing is a must — especially before eating and after using the toilet. Educate your child on the proper techniques for washing their hands using water and soap for no less than 20 seconds. Ask them to sing “Happy Birthday” twice to ensure they are washing long enough.
2. Covering mouth and nose when sneezing or coughing
Doing so with clean tissue is both good hygiene and proper etiquette, especially during this time when the COVID-19 virus can easily spread. Teach them to cough or sneeze into the inside of their elbow when a handkerchief or tissue is out of reach.
3. Taking a bath regularly
While experts have different opinions on how often kids should shower, taking a bath every day has been our norm here in the Philippines because of our tropical climate. With kids being physically active, it’s unavoidable to want to put these sweaty sweethearts in the shower. To prevent your child’s skin from drying out, use bathing products that are mild and gentle.
4. Wearing clean clothes all the time
Teach them to always change into clean clothes as dirty ones harbor microorganisms that can lead to skin infections and unpleasant body odors. Wearing neat clothing is also a confidence booster.
5. Maintaining good dental hygiene
Keeping the teeth clean and healthy is more than just about looking good. Don’t let poor dental hygiene result in bigger issues such as bad breath, tooth decay, and heart diseases. Instill in your child the habit of brushing their teeth at least twice a day, flossing regularly, and having a regular visit to the dentist.
6. Keeping nails clipped and clean
Did you know that fingernails are a breeding ground for bacteria? So teach your little ones to ensure proper grooming of their nails by keeping them short and clean.
7. Observing proper hair care
Remind them to take good care of their crowning glory by using hair care products that are specially formulated for their age. It’s also important to be careful when brushing so as not to pull hair too much and cause damages to their locks.
