Lessons on Personal Hygiene for Kids
During the early years, the parents are often primarily in charge of a child's hygiene. Everything from bathing to brushing teeth, combing hair and laying out clothing is done by the parent. However, as the child ages, he begins to claim his autonomy over his body and its care. However, without proper instruction, children may not fully understand the requirements of bodily hygiene. Accordingly, it is up to the parents to teach a child proper hygiene. Does this Spark an idea?
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Hand Washing
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When and how to wash her hands is one of the first hygiene lessons a parent can teach his child. Proper hand washing helps prevent the spread of germs that result in illness. Teach your child to wash her hands before eating or handling food, after using the bathroom, after handling animals or pet supplies and after handling trash. Teach your child to use a soap and warm water, lather her hands for 15 seconds;,rinse with clean water, and dry with a clean, dry towel. Additionally, teach your child to use a tissue rather than her hands to clean her nose and to keep her hands out of her mouth.
Oral Hygiene
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Proper oral hygiene is an important lesson to teach your child at any age. Brushing and flossing the teeth, as well as regular visits to the dentist, will help keep your child's teeth and gums healthy and prevent bad breath. Tell your child the importance of brushing her teeth twice a day. Tell your child to brush the outside, inside and chewing surface of each tooth. Tell her to also brush the gumline and tongue. Additionally, inform your child of the importance of flossing daily. Show your child how to flush by using about 18 inches of floss and gently flossing between the teeth and beneath the gumline.
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Showering
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Prepubescent children may not need to shower daily to combat odor. However, as children enter puberty, hormonal and bodily changes make daily showering a necessity. During puberty, sweat glands become more active and the body produces stronger smelling sweat. Your child might experience sweat and odor in new places, such as the underarms, feet and the pubic area. It is important to instruct your children on daily and proper showering. This includes telling them to use mild soap and wash the hands, feet, underarms, genitals and buttocks. Teach your child to gently wash her face two times a day using a mild soap and clean water.
Deodorant and Clean Clothing
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Daily deodorant or antiperspirant use also is a must for children who have reached puberty. Deodorant masks underarm odor while antiperspirant prevents the sweat that contributes to odor. Instruct your child to use deodorant or antiperspirant daily. Daily showering and deodorant are ineffective if your child wears the same dirty clothing daily. Accordingly, teach your child to change his clothing and underwear daily once he enters puberty. Clothing absorbs sweat, which leads to odor. Your child may need to wear cotton clothing, socks and underwear if the sweating becomes excessive or creates a problem, because cotton absorbs sweat more thoroughly.
Hair Washing
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During puberty, the hair's sebaceous glands produce extra oil, which can result in greasy hair. Accordingly, inform your child about the importance of washing his hair as needed. The frequency depends on the child's hair. Frequent washing, such as daily, can result in dry, brittle hair for some, while others require daily washing to avoid greasy hair. Tell your child to use shampoo and warm water to lather and gently wash the hair, rinse with clean water and follow up with conditioner if preferred.
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References
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