Washing hands probably could cut diarrheal disease-associated deaths by about 50 percent, estimates the World Health Association. Hygiene isn't only about cleanliness; it can save lives and keep your children safe from diseases and sickness. However, teaching your children the importance of hygiene issues is only half the battle; teaching them the right ways to tackle processes such as hand washing, bathing, dental hygiene and body odor are the most important ways to ingrain the importance of hygiene into them.
Step 1
Wait for a private time to bring up personal hygiene to your child. If your child is older, talking about body odor, cleanliness and hygiene could be embarrassing if done around other people. Take your child aside privately, or wait until you're isolated in the car to broach the subject, suggests PreteenagersToday.com. He'll likely be more open to listening to what you have to say.
Step 2
Sprinkle your child's hands with loose glitter and ask that your child pretend that the glitter represents germs. Talk about how germs can cover hands and can be passed to other surfaces. Have her touch household items, such as the phone or the doorknob and view the transferred germs. Then have her go to the sink and scrub her hands long enough to remove the germs--at least 20 seconds, says WAHM.com. The visual presentation may help your child understand germs and how they spread.
Step 3
Take your child with you to the store as you look through the aisles of hygiene products. If you need to purchase some, allow him to have an active role in choosing. For instance, talk about the importance of antiperspirant and allow him to choose the scent he likes the most. Or talk about antibacterial soap and have him choose the brand he likes. Your child will be more likely to use toiletries and hygiene items that he chose by himself.
Step 4
Make hygiene fun for kids, suggests Kaboose magazine. Create games for hand washing and dental hygiene by setting a timer at the sink with a time limit or fill the bathtub with washable crayons or toys. When your children are bathing, you can talk to them about the importance of staying clean in a way they can understand. For instance, while helping your child brush her teeth, say, "We need to brush our teeth to clean away all the snacks and have strong teeth."
Step 5
Be a good example of hygiene in your home. To teach personal hygiene issues, you must exhibit good hygiene yourself. That means being diligent about washing your hands or using hand sanitizer when soap isn't available, brushing and flossing, and taking frequent showers. As those in your home see you practicing good hygiene, the importance of cleanliness and germ avoidance will be instilled in your family.
Things You'll Need
- Glitter
- Soap
- Toothpaste
- Toothbrush
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