How to React to a Child With a Lack of Cleanliness

Good hygiene keeps children healthy and prevents them from smelling bad or looking unpresentable. Clean children often have better self-images than those who are not clean, according to the Children, Youth and Women's Health Service (see Reference 1). Washing different parts of their bodies, including their hands, and brushing their teeth can protect children from viruses and bacteria that cause illnesses or other health problems. If your child has problems with cleanliness, talk with him about it, and guide him in using good hygiene practices.

Things You'll Need

• Soap or body wash
• Deodorant
• Toothpaste
• Shampoo and conditioner
• Face wash
• Hair dryer

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Instructions

• 1

  Communicate with your child in a non-confrontational way about the need to improve her hygiene habits. Tell her about areas in which she needs to improve, such as brushing her teeth better or washing her hands or face more thoroughly. Stress how being clean can help keep her from getting illnesses, such as colds or infections. Let your child be a part of the conversation, and allow her to ask questions and explain her lack of cleanliness.

• 2

  Guide your child in how to practice good hygiene habits when he is young, explaining to or showing him how to properly brush his teeth, wash his hands and face, scrub his body and wipe himself after going to the bathroom. Buy products, such as deodorant, soap, shampoo, foot powder, conditioner, toothpaste and face wash, for your child to use to maintain good hygiene practices. Purchase other items, such as a hair dryer, nail clippers and (if appropriate) cologne, perfume, makeup, razors, shaving cream and aftershave, to help your child to be presentable, have a good smell and develop a positive self-image. If you have a daughter, guide her in using maxi pads or tampons properly so that she is able to stay clean during her period.

• 3

  Help your child to maintain good hygiene if she has a disability, such as cerebral palsy, autism, Asperger syndrome, mental retardation, multiple sclerosis or muscular dystrophy, that makes it difficult for her to maintain a certain standard of cleanliness. Help her to stay clean while also teaching her to wash her own body so that she begins to develop a measure of independence. Seek help from professionals, such as nurses or occupational therapists, in keeping your child clean, educating your child on hygiene habits and getting advice on how to take care of your child's special needs. Purchase items, such as a bathtub seat, that help you to take care of your child's hygiene needs.

• 4

  Serve as a role model for your child by practicing good hygiene habits. Regularly shower, wash your hands, brush your teeth, comb your hair and perform other practices to maintain a neat and orderly appearance and to encourage your child to do the same. Explain your processes in doing a task, such as brushing your teeth or washing your hair, if your child asks.