Knowing the importance of proper hygiene begins in childhood. A child who develops a routine early on will have a healthy habit that will last for an entire lifetime.
How do you teach your children to take care of themselves?
Oral Hygiene
Children are susceptible to a wide range of oral health issues, particularly tooth decay and cavities. Improper cleaning of teeth and gums can also lead to more serious conditions later in life such as heart disease. That is why learning how to brush their teeth at least twice a day is important to their overall well-being.
Kids mimic the actions of the adults around them. Be a role model and take good care of your teeth and gums, too. Make brushing your teeth and flossing a family activity so that it becomes fun rather than a chore.
Moreover, teach them that they should not be afraid of dentists. Look for dentists in Upland, CA. who have experience interacting with young clients. Avoid making the visit scary. They will have to see their dentist every six months to make sure that their teeth are in good health. Then, after the appointment, head to the park or the mall as a reward.
Bathing
Children are a curious bunch who wants to explore the world until they reach the point of exhaustion. After a day of playing outside, you would want to put them in the bath.
However, some children are not fond of the activity. Convince them to take a bath by turning it into a game. Let your child put on their bathing suit and bring some of their toys with them to the tub. But, make sure that they are also properly cleaning themselves and not just playing. Give them a washcloth and tell them how to scrub their skin.
Skin Care
You probably think that skincare is not important to your young child, but it is. Some skin blemishes such as rashes, bumps, and scabs are common among toddlers and preschoolers. As part of their everyday hygiene routine, check if there are any blemishes that need to be addressed.
For tweens and teens, teach how to care for their skin. Because of puberty, they likely will experience acne due to the excessive production of sebum on their skin. Tell them to wash their face at least twice a day with a soap that targets pimples, blackheads, and whiteheads. Do not let them pick any blemishes to avoid scarring.
Handwashing
Handwashing is important to any age. It prevents the spread of diseases, including respiratory illnesses. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, a person should thoroughly wash their hands before eating, after using the toilet, after coughing or sneezing, etc.
Teach your child proper handwashing. Highlight the importance of using soap and running water. To make sure that they are scrubbing their hands for the right amount of time, sing “Happy Birthday” twice. Slip a hand sanitizer in their bags for when they go out. These tips will help prevent them from catching illnesses, especially in school where they interact with a dozen other kids.
A child who knows the importance of proper hygiene will grow up into a responsible adult. Moreover, it will keep them healthy and will give them the confidence to face the world.
