It can be difficult to keep up with the latest health and hygiene trends, especially if you’re a parent trying to do right by your children. The good news is that the basics will never change. If you’re hoping to raise a clean, conscientious child, here are just six habits they’ll need to form while they’re still growing.
Wash Between Your Fingers
This is a quick and easy way to make sure that your children are completely washing their hands. Some kids try to be sneaky by just passing their hands under the water, but it’s important to get them in the habit of thoroughly scrubbing. You could suggest that your child hum their favorite song to ensure that they spend enough time scrubbing to thoroughly clean their hands.
Clean Out Your Ears
Impacted ear wax can cause genuine health problems, so don’t let it accumulate in your child’s ears. Instead of reaching for a Q-tip, which can be dangerous to the anatomy on your inner ear, reach for the hydrogen peroxide. It’s a safer and softer way to flush out your child’s ear canal. It is also important to teach your child the importance of keeping their ears dry and removing as much excess water as possible after bathing or swimming. This can help keep your child’s ears clean as well as avoid ear infections and other illnesses.
Clean Your Nails
Bacteria that gathers under the nails can be easily transferred to eyes, noses and mouths. If your child isn’t old or dexterous enough to handle a nail file on their own, you can do it for them as part of a nightly routine. We discussed the importance of washing hands above, but often times it is forgotten that keeping our nails healthy is also an important healthy hygiene practice. Teach your children to regularly clean underneath their nails to remove dirt and germs, they’ll appreciate it once they’re older.
Cover Your Cuts
Children are always getting bumps, scrapes, and bruises that need attending to. Teach your child the importance of cleaning the cut, using antiseptic cream, and covering it with a Band-Aid to avoid dirt and germs getting into the cut later. You can even make this sometimes painful process a little more fun by purchasing colorful or decorated Band-Aids and cream with minimal burn.
Lather Your Hair
This is another sneaky way to ensure that your kids aren’t cutting corners when it’s time to get clean. Instead of telling them to “wash” their hair, explain they need to “lather” it. Turn it into a game of who can create the most bubbles, if need be. Just make sure they’re using their fingers to really cleanse their scalp of dirt and oil.
Take Care Of Your Teeth
Everyone knows that they need to brush their teeth, but few children are taught the importance of flossing. It’s an essential practice if you want to prevent cavities, root canals and future dental visits. The experts from a Colorado Springs dental office suggest eating a proper diet, brushing at least twice a day and flossing regularly to prevent cavities. Some children may be reluctant to brush and floss often, but take time to explain to them the importance and health benefits. Make it a habit when they’re young and they’ll reap the benefits for their entire lives.
These are just a few things that you’ll want to teach your children as they grow older and more independent. Remember, if you instill good hygiene habits when they’re young, they’ll be much more likely to retain them as adults.
Emma is a freelance writing currently living in Boston, MA. She writes most often on education and business. Information for this article was gathered from Guerra dental care, Colorado Springs. To see more from Emma, say hi on Twitter @EmmaSturgis2
