Teaching a child the proper hygiene skills is important, as children have a weaker immune system than adults and good hygiene can help them keep from getting sick. However, not all children are enthusiastic about brushing their teeth or washing their hands, so it can be hard to enforce these standards.
Function
Proper hygiene is especially important for children since they come into contact with other children in situations such as schools and day cares where germs are easily transmitted. Since their immune systems are still developing, the best way for them to lessen their chances of getting sick is to use effective hygiene practices, such as washing their hands, according to Lifespan Health System. Hygiene also keeps kids from smelling badly and keeps them looking presentable.
Types
Children need to learn hygienic methods for nose blowing and coughing or sneezing, the correct way to brush their teeth and wash their hands and safe ways for preparing and handling food, according to Australia's National Childcare Accreditation Council. They also need to bathe on a daily basis, whether this involves a sponge bath at the sink or a full bath or shower, according to "Parents Magazine."
Methods
Kids will be more likely to follow good hygiene practices if they see their parents following these practices. Choose soaps and toothpastes that are kid-friendly, such as those with cool flavors, colors, sparkles and smells since these are more fun to use. Lifespan also recommends working hygiene into routines and enforcing them, including making sure that hands are washed and teeth are brushed for the appropriate amount of time.
Time Frame
Obviously babies are too young to keep themselves clean, but as kids reach the toddler stage, you can start to teach them about hygiene and incorporate hygienic practices into your daily routines. For example, make sure to your child washes her hands or you wash them for her before every meal or snack as well as after she uses the bathroom, sneezes or blows her nose, plays with pets or comes in from outside, according to "Parents Magazine."
Expert Insight
Since kids can't see germs, they might be reluctant to clean their hands when they don't actually look dirty. Lifespan recommends reminding them about the last time they were sick, and telling them that washing their hands can help to prevent this from happening again. Younger children will need more help following the correct hygiene routines than older children, but they should still have these made part of their daily routine so that it becomes a habit, according to the National Childcare Accreditation Council.
