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Personal Hygiene Tips for Kids

Establishing good communication with your child from an early age will make it easier to talk about issues that come up as your child develops. Teaching your child about proper hygiene from an early age will be good for his overall health and development and can lead to a lifetime of healthy habits.

  1. Washing Hands

    • Explain to your child why washing his hands frequently throughout the day is important. Germs are everywhere and can spread illness if not handled properly. Tell her to wash her hands before and after eating, after playing and after using the restroom. You can purchase funny-shaped soaps and sponges that will make your child want to wash her hands. Have a fluffy towel ready for her to dry off. Singing a fun song while washing hands will help your child enjoy the process.

    Bathing

    • To get your child to take a bath, you should make it a scheduled activity that takes place every day around the same time. Many kids don't like taking a bath because they fear water, are interrupted while playing at unpredictable times or have sensitive skin. Making bath time fun can help encourage them. Provide bath toys and bubble bath to make the experience enjoyable. Show them how to wash their hair, face, nails, armpits, feet and genital area.

    Hair Care

    • Brushing your child's hair daily will keep it tangle-free. Avoid borrowing combs from others or sharing combs to prevent head lice. Washing your child's hair should be done with a mild shampoo, once a week. Over-washing your child's hair can lead to dry hair and an itchy scalp. If you child has curly hair that tends to get dry, you can add some moisture to it by applying coconut or almond oil. Regular haircuts and trims should also be scheduled to make your child's hair looked groomed and cared for. Whether you cut your child's hair yourself or have a professional do it, make sure you have hand-held games and toys on hand to distract your child.

    Oral Hygiene

    • The dentist can be a difficult subject, because many kids fear the dentist. Familydoctor.org recommends bringing your child to the dentist around the age of 1 just so they get used to going in for check-ups and so the dentist can find any potential future dental problems early on. Your child should get used to the habit of brushing his teeth upon waking up and before going to bed. Supplying your child with a fun toothbrush that lights up or is in the shape of his favorite cartoon character can encourage brushing. Assist your child with brushing up until he is 5 or 6 years old. From then on, monitor his brushing to assure proper technique is used.

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