Teaching Kids Good Hygiene Habits

Teaching kids how to take care of their own hygiene is an important part of maintaining their overall health. But as many parents know, building these habits doesn’t always come easily. Kids may resist brushing their teeth, forget to wash their hands, or avoid taking a bath or shower. Young children, especially, may be more resistant as they may see hygiene routines as boring and disruptive to their activities and hobbies. The key is to be patient and consistent and provide proper guidance early on, so that you can instill good hygiene habits that will last into adulthood. In this blog, we cover some of the basics when it comes to teaching kids about personal hygiene.

One of the aspects of hygiene to teach your children is that good hygiene is important not only to staying clean but also to staying healthy. Simple habits like washing hands, bathing regularly, brushing teeth, and changing clothes help prevent the spread of germs and reduce the risk of common illnesses like colds, flu, pink eye, and stomach bugs. Children should be encouraged to wash their hands with soap and water for 20 seconds before eating and after using the bathroom, coughing, sneezing, blowing their nose, touching animals, and playing outside. They should also be taught to avoid putting their hands on their face after touching objects or surfaces that are not clean. 

In addition to handwashing, regular bathing or showering helps remove dirt, sweat, and bacteria that can lead to infections or body odor. Younger children may only need a bath a few times a week, but as they get older, especially around puberty, daily showers or baths are usually necessary. Some young children may have an aversion to showers, especially kids with sensory sensitivities, as they may find the sensation of showers unpleasant or anxiety-inducing. It may be best to start them with baths and make them fun with toys and music in the background. Gradual exposure to showers can help kids adjust and get them used to taking them. Remind your kids to wear clean clothes every day, especially undergarments and socks. Clothes that have already been worn should be placed into a hamper for laundry. Show your children how laundry is done so they learn how to properly wash and dry their clothes. 

Dental care is also an important part of hygiene. Kids should brush their teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste and floss daily once their teeth begin to touch. Encourage your child to brush for two full minutes and make sure to supervise young children until they’re old enough to brush on their own (usually around the ages of 6-8). Good dental hygiene not only keeps children's breath fresh, but it also helps prevent cavities and gum disease.

When kids approach puberty and enter their tween years, have a conversation with them about the changes they can expect, such as body odor and increased sweat. You'll want to discuss with them some of the new hygiene routines to adopt, like wearing deodorant and showering more often than they may have before.  

Remember that one of the best ways to teach kids good hygiene habits is to model them yourself. When children see their parents following hygiene routines like regular handwashing and brushing their teeth, they're more likely to develop these habits. For young children, using visuals like charts or showing videos can make it easier for kids to learn about maintaining their hygiene. It's also helpful to use positive reinforcement. When your child remembers to wash their hands without reminders, acknowledge and celebrate this with them so that they're encouraged to continue following good hygiene routines.

If you have any concerns about your child’s hygiene habits or development, contact our office.