Helping your child learn how to keep her body clean is an important part of ensuring that she remains happy and healthy. According to the Dr. Spock website, typically, children around the age of 10 can be left alone in the bathroom. Until she reaches this age, you need to monitor her to make sure that she has good personal hygiene habits. If your child is resisting bath time or brushing her teeth, you can teach personal hygiene in a fun way.
Step 1
Make up songs for personal hygiene activities. Your child may respond to little songs and phrases to sing as he completes different personal hygiene tasks. For instance, while washing his hands, he can say, “Don’t get sick, clean up quick.”
Step 2
Teach the child to shower. If bath times are a battle, you can try installing an adjustable showerhead that is child-safe, suggests the Kaboose website. These showerheads often come in the shape of animals to appeal to children. This gives the child a feeling of independence and encourages regular showering.
Step 3
Use props. Personal hygiene tasks may be difficult to teach since the child may not find the routines fun. Toys and kid-geared personal hygiene products may spark the child’s interest. Some examples include musical toothbrushes, bath toys and foaming soap.
Step 4
Demonstrate for the child. Ask the child to imitate you when you brush your teeth, floss or brush your hair. For more personal tasks, such as using the bathroom and bathing, the correct way should be demonstrated ideally by a parent or adult of the same sex.
Step 5
Allow the child to choose her own personal hygiene products. If the child has a more active involvement with the selection process, she may feel more inspired to use them. After choosing the products, talk about each one and explain how to use it.
Things You'll Need
- Toys
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