Children may become sick up to 8 times in one year. One way to prevent illness is by teaching them good hygiene habits.
Not only does good hygiene reduce harmful bacteria and prevent infection, but it sets them up for keeping these habits as adults. From hand washing to regular bathing, there are various ways to teach your children how to practice good person hygiene.
If you’re wondering about the best way to teach your child healthy habits, here are five tips to start. Keep reading to learn more!
1. Talk About Germs
The main reason for practicing hygiene is to get rid of germs. If your child is unfamiliar with the concept of germs and how they make you sick, spend some time discussing bacteria and how germs work.
There’s a risk of overemphasizing germs, so be sure to help your child be cautious, but refrain from making them sound too scary.
You can also discuss keeping yourself well when you get sick, everything from treating a cold to staying away from others.
2. Hand Washing
Hand washing is one of the best ways to prevent illness. Your child should wash their hands after they’re done playing outside, at a friend’s house, using the toilet, and before they eat.
One of the ways children learn hand-washing habits is by watching adults or caregivers. Practice hand washing with your children several times until they can do it correctly on their own.
3. Bathing and Brushing
Bathing is another way to keep harmful bacteria off your body. Talk to your child about bathing and how to bathe, whether that’s by taking a bath or shower. Show them how to properly wash their hair and body.
Brushing their teeth is another important habit to maintain. Healthy teeth and gums pave the way for an overall healthy body. Model for your child brushing teeth and flossing, as well as caring for your toothbrush.
4. Food Hygiene
While washing hands and keeping themselves clean can keep germs away, it’s also important to practice food hygiene. Practicing good food hygiene involves cleaning vegetables and fruits to remove any harmful bacteria or dirt that may be lurking on the surface.
They also need to refrigerate leftover food to prevent bacteria growth, cook food to a proper temperature (if they’re old enough), and recognize when food is spoiled or old.
5. Make A Chart
Developing healthy habits can be challenging for children, so make it fun. Design a chart that helps them see all the habits that are necessary to do daily, like hand washing and brushing teeth. While young children don’t need to bathe every day (unless they’re very dirty), older children and teenagers should be bathing daily to develop good habits.
When your child shows consistency, reward them for their hard work. Offering rewards helps children see the value of setting healthy habits and maturely doing them.
Good Hygiene Habits For Your Child
Getting into the routine of hygiene habits sets your child up for caring for their body and caring for others. The time you spend investing in helping your child practice good hygiene is time well-spent.
Are you looking for additional healthy tips? Visit our nutrition page today to learn about how to eat healthily and keep your body in great shape.