How do I Teach Hygiene to Children?

Children need to be taught the importance of personal hygiene at a young age. Instilling proper hygiene habits in children when they are young will ensure that they will carry these healthy habits into adulthood. Habits such as daily showers, teeth-brushing and flossing, frequent hand-washing and wearing clean clothes are not things children will do without being told. Discussing why hygiene is important and making these habits part of a daily routine will make it easier for your child to learn about personal hygiene.

Things You'll Need

• Toothbrush
• Dental Floss
• Poster Board
• Markers
• Stickers
• Soap
• Water

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Instructions

• 1

  Model basic hygiene practices. Allow your children to watch you brush and floss your teeth and wash up in the morning and the evening. Children learn by watching you.

• 2

  Create a routine. You may want to make a colorful poster or chart that lists the activities that must be completed, and allow the child to put a sticker next to each completed activity. Children learn through repetition; stick to the the same daily routine and soon children will start following the routine on their own.

• 3

  Discuss how to properly wash your body and rinse the soap off. Tell your child to wash hands in hot, soapy water for at least 15 seconds. Have your child sing "Happy Birthday" or the "ABC's" to time their hand washing. To make washing up more fun, you could buy scented hand soap that kids would want to use, such as bubblegum or berry.

• 4

  Explain the importance of oral hygiene to your child. Have her choose her own toothbrush and toothpaste; flavored toothpastes like banana and watermelon may make brushing more enjoyable for your child than the sharp flavor of mint toothpaste. Toothbrushes and paste are available with characters on them and in attractive colors to make kids look forward to using their toothbrush and toothpaste.

• 5

  Keep it simple. Expect that your child will bathe or shower, brush their teeth and wear clean clothing, but don't expect them to go off in search of an outfit or their toothbrush. Have necessary items ready to go before school and at bedtime. They may enjoy helping you choose their favorite pajamas or outfit beforehand.

• 6

  Make it fun. Sing songs, play with bath toys and be silly while getting clean. Bath time toys such as foam letters that stick to the wall when wet or containers to fill and dump provide entertainment for your child.