Tips to Teach Your Kids Personal Hygiene
You can’t teach your child all the habits mentioned above overnight. Teaching personal hygiene to kids will require patience. Some accidents might happen here and there, but avoid scolding your child as they are still learning. Here are some tips to follow when teaching your child about hygiene:
- Explain the Difference: Start by explaining about all the good and bad habits. You can start with something your child already knows.
- Explain the Purpose: Explain to your child why he/she should maintain good hygiene and the reason behind why something is good or bad.
- Praise and Encourage: Praise your child when they do something good. It can be as simple as washing hands or sneezing into a kerchief.
- Start With the Basics: Have your child wash his/her hands first and then move onto bigger things like brushing, bathing, food hygiene, etc.
- Practice Before You Preach – Children are smarter than we think them to be. They are observant and know when you are trying to trick them. Always ensure you practice all the hygiene habits yourself before teaching them any. Most of the times, children watch you and learn. You wouldn’t have to teach them the habits separately then.
- Educate Them: Tell your child about the different kinds of germs and microbes that cause diseases. Also, explain the things that happen if he/she gets affected by germs.
- Make Learning Fun: This way, they can remember better. Try including games and other fun activities whenever you teach them about hygiene.
Things to Avoid While Teaching Hygiene to Your Child
These are a few things you must avoid when teaching your little one hygeine. These tips will help you put the point across, inculcate a habit and even strengthen your bond.
- Do Not Scold – Do not scold your child as it will only worsen the situation. Some children take more time to learn something new. Be patient, but persistent when teaching hygiene to your child.
- Do Not Compare – Comparing your child with someone else will make your little one feed inadequate. Let him/her take some time while learning to adjust to the new way of living and avoid comparing him/her with anyone else.
- Do Not Punish – Punishing children is another thing parents should avoid. Children appreciate it when their parents take the time and explain something and help them through. If your child doesn’t understand or obey, do not punish him/her. You may try and seek alternatives instead to explain your little one the same point.
Although hygiene habits are better inculcated early on, children won’t pick them up at the first go; be patient and keep explaining its importance. Teaching your child about hygiene can help them take care of themselves even when you are not with them. Worried about your child’s health?
View our Pediatrics Department or book an appointment with us.
