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Personal Hygiene Tips for Children

According to the Hygiene Expert website, your body image and the care you provide for it influence your self-esteem, motivation and confidence. Teaching children about personal hygiene should start at a very young age. Having open communication with your child is essential. By practicing good hygiene, your child reduces the risk of getting sick, spreading diseases and being bullied in school.

  1. Take a Bath

    • As a parent, you can motivate you child to take a bath by making bath time fun by including bath toys, fun-shaped soaps and bubble bath. While bathing your child, you can inspect him for any injuries, sores or rashes. Show your child how to clean himself by washing his entire body, including his face, armpits, feet, hands and genital area. Schedule bath time at the same time every day so it becomes part of your child's routine and not an activity that is experienced as an interruption of playtime.

    Oral Care

    • Your child should brush his teeth twice a day --- once in the morning and then before going to bed. Good oral hygiene can keep cavities at bay, and by assisting your child in brushing his teeth, he will learn how to do it himself. To encourage good oral hygiene, have your child pick his own toothbrush in the store. You can find soft toothbrushes with cartoon characters on them right in your grocery store or drugstore. Age-appropriate toothpastes in various child-friendly flavors can also help make tooth brushing an enjoyable experience. Get your child used to going to the dentist at an early age so that regular checkups become routine.

    Washing Hands

    • Encouraging your child to wash his hands before eating, after using the restroom, after playing or petting animals is essential. According to Education.com, hands that aren't washed properly are the main carriers of infections. Place a stool in front of your sink to give your child easy access to soap and water. Provide paper towels to dry hands after washing them. Reward your child with stickers for practicing good hygiene. It will motivate him to continue the good behavior.

    Good Hair Care

    • Your child's hair should be washed once or twice a week, according to Education.com. You can purchase tear-free shampoos at your drugstore to make the process somewhat easier. After washing your child's hair, you should use a wide-tooth comb to comb through your child's hair. Good hair care will make early detection of head lice easier so you can treat it accordingly.

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