Having good hygiene
habits involves more than just hand-washing. Teaching your kids to have a
healthy hygiene routine when they’re young can create habits that last
throughout their lives.
Have you ever noticed how good you feel when you get all cleaned up and put on
fresh, clean clothes? There is a reason for that good feeling. The body
performs better when it is clean and healthy. Good personal hygiene should
include clean skin and care of the mouth, teeth, hair, ears, hands, feet and
nails.
Few personal hygiene
tips are as follows:
·
Washing
Hair: Most young children
can get away with washing their hair two or three times per week. Washing hair
too often can dry out young scalps, making them more prone to dandruff. As kids
enter their tweens and teens, the hormonal effects of puberty take hold,
sometimes making their hair greasy. Washing their hair with shampoo may be
necessary at least every other day
·
Skin
care for Toddlers: Toddlers and
preschoolers still need parents to help them with skin care. Skin blemishes
such as rashes, bumps and scabs are common these days. Before your child gets
dressed after their bath, help them look over their skin from head to toe to
make sure they don’t have any new blemishes that need care.
·
Skin
care for Teens: Like their hair,
teenagers’ skin becomes oilier with puberty. A number of acne-reducing
medications are on the market, but people can sometimes overlook the benefits
of simply washing with water and mild soap. Teach your teen to wash their face
two to three times per day and to avoid picking at pimples.
As for makeup, make sure
your child knows that sharing can spread infection and that going to sleep with
makeup on can wreak havoc on their skin.
·
Oral
Hygiene: Clean teeth and
gums can prevent a wide range of health issues, including bad breath, cavities,
and heart disease later in life. Your child should brush and floss at least
twice per day, if not after every meal. Older children can carry toothbrush
kits in their backpacks so that they can brush at school. Younger children can
help you time the full 2 minutes that a good brushing requires.
·
Underarm
Care: Washing underarms
and wearing deodorant is a rite of passage many tweens and teens may dislike or
ignore. Sweat starts to become body odor at different ages, but it often starts
around 9 or 10 years old. Talk to your child about the importance of washing
under their arms, especially after sports practice. Depending on how heavily
your child sweats, you may want to choose an antiperspirant, not just a
deodorant. Deodorant controls bacteria and adds scent, while an antiperspirant
also helps to minimize sweating.
·
Hand-washing: It is an integral piece of good hygiene.
Washing before and after meals, after playing in the dirt or with pets, and
after being in contact with someone who’s sick is the best way to eliminate
germs. Tell your child about the importance of scrubbing with soap for the
amount of time it takes to sing “Happy Birthday” twice. Hand sanitizers aren’t
as effective as soap and water, so use them only in a pinch.
·
Nails: Fingernails are a breeding ground for
bacteria. The germs that live under your child’s nails can easily transfer to
their eyes, nose, and mouth. Invest in a good nail brush and help your child
scrub the dirt out from under their nails before bedtime. A weekly clipping
will help get rid of dirt and reduce the possibility of painful ingrown nails.
·
Toileting: Once young children become toilet trained,
you’ll need to focus on the habits that keep little parts clean. Teach them to
wipe thoroughly from front to back and wash their hands when they’re done.
These healthy habits will help minimize irritation and keep infections at bay.
·
Menstrual
cycle: Once girls start
wearing makeup and begin menstruating, there are some hygiene habits specific
to their needs. Encourage your daughter to keep a chart of her cycle so she’ll
know when to have feminine hygiene products available. Periods may be irregular
for the first two years, so help her learn to be prepared.
Personal Hygiene is of
uttermost importance these days and parents need to ensure good hygiene of
their kids. To know more about it refer to the below articles.
For more details refer
the following links:
Healthline.com
Nationwidechildrens.org
Raisingchildren.net