In addition to keeping a child healthy and preventing him from spreading illness, practicing good personal hygiene can also help him to build self-esteem and feel good about himself. Reading books about personal hygiene and finding ways to help him remember his hygiene goals, such as making signs and reminders, can help him to establish hygiene practices that will stay with your child for a lifetime. Whether he is completing the task by himself or with help, he needs to learn about the importance of cleaning clothes, washing hair and hands, cleaning teeth and bathing.
Clothes
A child’s clothes get dirty throughout the day after sweat, dirt, bacteria and dead skin cells collect on items such as pants, shirts, socks and underwear. It is important to teach her to wear clean and unsoiled clothes every day and to be sure her clothes make it to a designated area for washing. A toddler will need a parent to collect dirty clothes for her and also choose new clean clothes every day, but a preschooler or older child can begin to accomplish these tasks herself.
Teeth
A child’s teeth should be washed at least twice a day, according to Kids’ Health. Ideally, he should have his teeth brushed after every meal to prevent cavities and to maintain good dental health. Although a younger child will need a parent to brush his teeth for him, an older child can be shown the correct amount of toothpaste to use and the way to correctly brush and floss. Teaching him to hum the tune of a song such as “Happy Birthday” while he is brushing can help him remember how long he needs to brush his teeth, and providing a step stool will help him feel more independent as he reaches the sink himself.
Bathing
Baths can be taken alone or with help, depending on the child’s age. When bathing a younger child, remember to clean between her skin folds, behind her ears and between her toes where bacteria collects. An older child learning to bathe herself may find use from a laminated sign next to the bathtub that lists all of the things she needs to remember while bathing. By making this sign herself, the child will combines a craft project with a learning and memory building opportunity.
Hair and Nails
Hair accumulates dirt throughout the day, and a child’s hair can begin to look greasy if it is not cleaned regularly. Use a gentle shampoo approximately every two days to clean hair, and use a conditioner to reduce tangles. A toddler or preschooler will need a parent or caregiver to wash his hair for him, but an older child can attempt this on his own. He can also be taught to clean underneath his nails while bathing or washing his hands, and a parent can make sure to keep nails trimmed neatly to prevent dirt and bacteria from harboring underneath nails.
Hand Washing
Hand washing is a very important protection from bacteria and diseases. A child should be reminded to wash her hands after using the bathroom, before eating, after coughing or sneezing, after playing outside and after touching her face. A young child may need assistance, but providing a step stool and easily accessible soap and towels can help an older child accomplish washing her hands by herself. A homemade sign next to the sink can remind her to wash with soap or warm water, and to remember to dry her hands.
