Early hygiene activities teach kids from a young age how to care for themselves. From washing hands to taking care of hair and skin, toddlers are able to start performing those hygiene tasks on their own. Using special activities to teach these concepts makes the process more child-friendly. The hygiene activities work well at home or in a preschool or day care classroom.
Toy Wash
A toy wash gives toddlers a chance to practice washing personal items. Fill a bucket or bowl with warm, soapy water and head outdoors. Another option is to set up the toy wash in the sink, but prepare for splashed water outside of the sink. Encourage your toddler to wash her toys with a cloth or sponge, making sure to wash all surfaces. This activity gives you a chance to talk about the importance of washing away dirt and germs.
Home Salon
Toddlers sometimes fight bath time, particularly when it comes to hair care. Make the task more enjoyable by pretending your home is a salon. If your child doesn't like washing his hair in the bath, have him lie on the kitchen counter with his head over the sink. You can use the sprayer to direct the water away from his face. Set up a comfortable chair in front of a mirror for the hair care portion. Acting like a hair stylist with a funny voice and silly actions adds to the enjoyment of the home salon. Give your toddler a chance to do part of the hair care like combing or helping hold the hair dryer. Keep a bowl of treats on hand just like a regular salon.
Dramatic Play
Dramatic play basically means playing pretend. Toddlers get a chance to practice various hygiene tasks during play to reinforce the skills. An unused toothbrush gives your toddler practice at brushing teeth on her dolls or stuffed animals. She can practice combing and brushing the hair and fur on her toys as well. Another idea is to put on a puppet show about hygiene or read books with a hygiene theme. All of these activities make playtime educational.
Practice
Hands-on practice at the actual hygiene skills is often the most effective way to teach toddlers how to take care of themselves. Hand washing is a hygiene task that toddlers need to learn. The bathroom may get messy, but toddlers should learn how to apply soap, scrub their hands and rinse off the suds. Frequent hand washing is an effective way to reduce exposure to germs. Teach your toddler to sing the ABCs while he washes his hands to ensure he washes long enough. Brushing teeth is another area that toddlers can practice. Brush your toddler's teeth first to ensure they get clean. Hand him the toothbrush afterward so he can practice the strokes. In the bathtub, give him a turn to wash his body or scrub his hair.
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