The beginning of the academic session has set in already, and so has the packed-up schedule of kids! Once physical classes resume, our munchkins will also spend time in physical activity, returning home covered in dust and dirt. With the erratic monsoons and the ongoing pandemic, hygiene habits are something children need to learn from the very beginning.
Teaching growing children could be a challenging process. However, inculcating healthy habits from an early age could go a long way in helping kids get used to it. For starters, we shall be discussing the very basic tips to teach your kids.
Oral Hygiene
Toddlers are fussy eaters, and this is the reason why in a desperate need to prevent children from starving themselves, parents feed them with whatever appeals to their tastebuds. It is, nonetheless, important to take care of their oral health. Children are constantly under the looming threat of cavities, gingivitis, and other oral diseases. Here’s how you can ensure good oral hygiene for your child-
- Make your child brush his/her teeth at least two times a day in slow front and back directions.
- If the child’s milk tooth is about to fall off, let him/her wiggle the tooth to avoid pain or bleeding.
- Use a dentist-recommended child’s toothbrush so that they don’t hurt the gums.
- Introduce children to toothpaste when they are around two years old.
- Brush the tongue as well.
- You can also teach your child to use floss once they are a bit older.
Nail Hygiene
Children would use their hands to read, write and touch objects all the time at school. All this while, they might not be able to understand how clean swings and stationery are. As a parent, you can instead teach them how dirt can easily accumulate in their nails and contaminate the food they eat. Teach them to nail hygiene with the following tips-
- Children tend to bite their nails. Ensure your child does not develop this habit, and if he does, the simple idea is to rub some aloe vera gel on the fingertips. The bitter taste will help them get rid of their habit.
- Teach your child to scrub their hands using an anti-bacterial hand wash. Look for pH-balanced hand washes with germ protection.
Hand Hygiene
The importance of hand hygiene is well established in the present times and has been reiterated by WHO. School-going kids must have a hand sanitizer, and a pocket hand washes with them all the time. They must be trained to use them as and when required. Show hand washing steps to kids and let them practice to get it right.
- Apply liquid hand wash on wet hands.
- Rub it between your fingers and the back of the hands and fingers.
- Scrub your fingernails clean.
- Finish off by cleaning your wrists and rinse with clean running water.
- Pat dry with a clean cloth towel or paper towel.
Remember, children will not learn overnight. Avoid scolding them and teach them with patience.
