A “clean routine” helps ward off illness and helps children look good and feel even better. Children who learn good personal hygiene habits develop positive self-esteem as they take on the responsibility of their appearance. Seemingly simple habits such as nose-blowing and tissue disposal can make a difference in your child’s overall health. Reinforce good hygiene habits in your children by being the example.
Hand Washing
Germs are everywhere. Proper hand washing is the first line of defense against colds and flu. Teach children to wash their hands several times throughout the day and always before meals. Children should wash their hands completely, by rubbing up a soapy lather on the palms and backs of their hands and between their fingers. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend washing your hands under clean running water for at least 20 seconds.
Bathing
Bath time should be fun time for young children. Add fun to the bath routine with tub toys, bubble bath, soap crayons or a special towel. Teach children to wash their entire body, including private areas. Provide no-tears shampoo for older kids learning to wash their own hair. If your older child participates in sports, he should learn to thoroughly wash and dry his feet. Fungal infections and plantar warts spread easily in locker rooms and changing areas.
Nail Care
Nail care is part of good hand and foot care. Germs lurk under dirty nails. Carefully trim young children’s nails until they are old enough to do it themselves. Have a nail brush handy so they can make cleaning their nails part of hand washing.
Oral Hygiene
According to Kaboose.com, even a 2-year-old or 3-year-old can begin learning to brush her teeth. Parents should help until she can manage a toothbrush, but allow her to practice by herself. Children should brush morning and night, and after meals whenever possible. Buy a colorful timer and keep it in the bathroom. Set the timer for at least one minute each for upper and lower teeth, or about two minutes total.
Older children should learn to floss. If handling regular dental floss is difficult, try the pre-threaded floss holders. Supervise flossing to make sure children don’t injure their gums. Most 12-year-olds can manage flossing on their own.
Clean Clothes
Once your child learns to dress and undress himself, he can learn to put soiled clothing where it belongs and to put on clean clothing. Teach your child to change underwear and socks daily, or whenever they are soiled. Putting dirty clothes in a hamper also helps your child keep his room neat.
