Teaching Children to Take Care of their Bodies

Many parents think that small children do not suffer from body odour, pimples or any other hygiene related problems. Read on to learn when kids may get into such problems and how to teach body care to them.If your child is very young you might not expect any hygiene related problem, but it is always better to take steps in advance. Remember the popular saying, ‘precaution is better than cure’. If you teach your child about healthy lifestyle, cleanliness and hygiene at a very early age, things would become easier and simpler for both of you.Teach your child about how to take care of personal cleanliness and hygiene as well as how to keep clothes and other things related to her personal use, safe and clean. Although, the concept is very vast, here are some tips that would help you to make a good and healthy start. In this articleEducate Your ChildEncourage Your ChildSupport Your ChildPay Attention to NutritionHelp Your Child Stay ActiveModel Hygienic Attitude and BehaviourKids and HygieneWays to Teach Children about Body CareHere are some ways to teach body care to children.Educate Your ChildNo matter what age your child is, educate her about cleanliness and hygiene. Along with good things you should also make her aware of the consequences of not maintaining good hygiene. If possible show your child some pictures or people who are suffering from any such problem.Encourage Your ChildUsually parents teach kids about hygiene and talk to their child only when they miss something or avoid taking care of themselves. Do not forget that children get excited when encouraged and will listen to your instructions and suggestions more when they are admired and supported. So, next time your child washes hands before eating, praise her. Support Your ChildAlong with educating and giving instructions, help your child know how to take care of body parts. Depending on her age you should guide your child properly. Also, help her buy products that would help her stay fresh and clean whole day. Take extra care if your child participates in active sports.Pay Attention to NutritionNutrition is one of the most important and basic aspects that you should take care of and also teach your child about its importance in life. Sometimes lack of specific vitamin or mineral also causes problems and so you should make sure that your child has at least one nutritious meal in the entire day.Help Your Child Stay ActiveEncouraging your child to be active can also be a good time to spend together. You can have fun and can even include your whole family in any activity. This will save your child from getting lethargic and once she is active and lively, she will keep in mind your lessons and instructions also.Model Hygienic Attitude and BehaviourKeep in mind that children learn the best when they find the behaviour modelled in front of them. So, if you follow cleanliness and take hygienic steps, your children are going to follow them for their lifetime.Kids and HygieneMaking kids understand about hygiene and follow important steps is not that easy. You should practice good hygiene at home so that your kids automatically learn how to take care of their body and surroundings. So, you will have to teach your child to practice good hygiene always. Help her learn to handle food carefully, wash hands regularly and wash the body thoroughly at least once daily and use appropriate protection against infection when she is with any other people.One of the most important habits of maintaining hygiene is to clean hands regularly and properly. This is equally important for kids as well as adults. Teach your child how to wash hands and when to wash them as well. Show your child how to clean her hands and monitor her while doing so. Make sure this becomes a habit so that she is safe.Another important part is brushing teeth. Do not just teach your child about brushing teeth properly and twice daily, but also show her follow the same routine and way by modelling that behaviour and proper brushing techniques. This will have greater and long term effect on your child.How to teach children to take care of personal hygiene? What is the importance of teaching children to take care of their bodies? Why is it crucial to be a good role model for teaching cleanliness to children? Discuss here.