Instilling Good Personal Hygiene in Your Children

Now, more than ever, personal hygiene can play an important role in protecting you and your loved ones from sickness or illness. Adopting these life-saving skills during the child development years will ensure that they carry the practice of good personal hygiene into their adult life. 

Oral Care

Teaching children at a young age the importance of brushing their teeth and flossing will help to prevent cavities and gum disease later on. Show kids how to brush properly. Starting at the base and moving up to the top of each tooth will ensure that they provide a thorough cleaning, helping to reduce the risk of tartar buildup. Holding the brush at a 45-degree angle is the preferred method to achieve the desired results. Children should brush two times daily, in the morning and prior to bed. They should also include brushing the tongue to get an entire mouth cleaning. 

Hair Care

Washing hair every other day is a safe practice for younger children. It will prevent dirt and grime from settling on the scalp. Using natural hair products for kids free from harsh chemicals will also prevent the stripping of essential oils and keep the hair healthy and hydrated. Teach children to apply shampoo only after the hair is wet and that a vigorous massage will encourage hair growth. Additionally, showing them the proper way to brush their hair will also prevent split ends that can lead to damaged hair. When the hair has tangles, use a wide-tooth comb first and then follow up with either a hairbrush or a fine-tooth comb to completely remove any knots. It’s also important to start the brushing process at the bottom of the hair and work your way to the top. 

Bathing

Younger children as a rule are quite messy and play hard. They tend to walk outdoors barefoot often and touch everything with their hands. They also enjoy an active lifestyle. At the end of each day taking a bath or a shower will remove the dirt, grime and sweat. It will also remove dead skin and allow for the natural release of the next layer. Make sure to show them how to clean their body properly by including a healthy amount of soap applied under the armpits, underneath the feet, and the back of the legs. Additionally, advise them to use a towel and dry off all areas completely before dressing in their PJs for bed. 

Frequent Hand Washing

The recent virus reiterates the importance of frequent hand washing. Your hands touch everything. Make it a practice in your home that when kids return home, they wash their hands. Prior to meals, after using the bathroom and coming indoors, children should always wash their hands thoroughly. Germs spread quickly. Sometimes all it takes is a sneeze and a wipe onto another surface to infect an entire household. Teach children that when they are sick to wash their hands often. 

Nail Care

Nails need attention the same as your hands. It’s easy for food and dirt to become trapped underneath nail surfaces. The best practice for your child’s nails is to keep them short for easy maintenance and the use of a nail brush to provide a thorough removal of dirt. 

Clean Clothing

With many children now mostly stationed at home, it can become easy to get into the habit of allowing them to wear the same clothing for more than a single day. However, as they grow older, these same habits will lead to the retention of unpleasant body odor. Get them in the habit now of changing clothing, including undergarments, each day. 

You work full time to provide a comfortable life for your family and you want your children to be happy and healthy. Promoting good personal hygiene at a young age will help you achieve positive results.