Two of the most important ways you can help protect the health of your child is offering nutritious foods and teaching him good hygiene habits. Offering nutritious foods ensures that your child is consuming the nutrients he needs to grow. Teaching hygiene helps keep your child well and prevents the spread of germs. Model healthy eating and hygiene habits and include your child in these processes, so he learns from a young age the importance of healthy living.
Nutrition Tips
Preparing meals that include a variety of healthy ingredients is one important way to ensure that your child eats nutritious foods, but there are many other things you can do to instill good eating habits. Eat your meals as a family and eat the same foods you offer your child. Modeling healthy eating habits is an important way to encourage your child to do the same. KidsHealth also recommends that you only provide healthy foods, so you do not have to battle with your child over his favorite treats. Allow your child to choose a meal once a week and include him in the preparation process. Encourage him to try new foods on a regular basis as well.
Oral Hygiene Tips
The health of your child's smile depends on how often she brushes, as well as what foods she eats on a regular basis. Brushing and flossing are two of the best ways to keep your child's teeth and gums healthy, but visiting the dentist regularly is essential as well. Limit your child's intake of sugary foods, such as soda and candy, because they are unhealthy and contribute to tooth decay and cavities. Also offer calcium-rich foods like cheese, yogurt and milk to help build strong teeth and bones.
Handwashing Tips
Washing hands is a crucial part of hygiene because it helps prevent germs and bacteria from getting into your child's body and on his food, which can cause him to get sick. Healthy Children reports that you must teach your child to wash his hands after going to the bathroom, before eating and after playing outside or touching animals. Regularly washing hands for at least 20 seconds with warm water and soap will help kill many of the germs and bacteria your child comes into contact with everyday. Also teach your child not to share cups, straws and eating utensils, how to cough into a tissue or into his sleeve if he doesn't have a tissue, and how to blow his nose into a tissue.
Bathing Tips
Another important part of hygiene is taking a bath or shower on a regular basis. Regular bathing helps kill germs and bacteria that linger on your child's body. As your child gets older, taking a bath or shower will also eliminate sweat that can cause unpleasant odors. Teach your child how to lather up and rinse, as well as how to use shampoo to clean her hair. Offer assistance as necessary, and stay close by even if your child is old enough to bathe alone.
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