Teaching your toddler about personal hygiene – Raising a child is definitely one of life’s greatest challenges. As a parent, you will always strive to equip your child with the necessary tools needed for a successful and fulfilling style of life. Whilst children definitely need to be ahead of the academic game to see some forms of success, it is equally important to ensure that they instil good personal hygiene habits as well.
Teaching our little ones about personal hygiene not only helps them stay healthy, but also ensures that the foundation for a lifetime of self-care and wellbeing is laid.
Teaching your toddler about personal hygiene
Here are some top tips from this nursery in North London, on teaching your toddler about personal hygiene.
Lead by example
You may be shocked to know that children are extremely observant, even when they are very little, as they pick up most of their habits and quirks from what they see and hear the adults around them do and say. This is why it is so important for you to set the best example, by practicing good personal hygiene habits yourself to begin with. Things like brushing your teeth regularly, washing your hands when necessary, and maintaining a healthy level of cleanliness in your daily routine is what you should be modelling.
Your toddler will be more likely to take on these habits themselves, if they see you doing them consistently.
Make it fun
Just because hygiene is a serious topic, it does not mean that it has to be seen as a chore. Do your best to try and turn it into a fun and interactive experience for your toddler. You can do this by singing songs or creating a catchy rhyme about brushing teeth or washing hands. If your child is a visual learner, use colourful and child friendly aids such as posters or charts to help demonstrate the steps involved to maintain personal hygiene. Try and be playful and light-hearted, as it will increase the chances of your child practicing different hygiene acts independently too.
Set a routine
Once your child has begun practicing several personal hygiene acts, such as brushing their teeth and washing their hands, set a routine in place. Establishing a regular routine actually helps toddlers to develop a sense of structure and familiarity. Be sure to be consistent as this is key in reinforcing good hygiene practices.
Teaching your child about personal hygiene doesn’t have to be a difficult task. Take it one step at a time and support your child whilst they develop a strong foundation of good hygiene.
*Collaborative post
About Debz Louise
Debz Louise is a UK-based lifestyle expert and the founder of several lifestyle blogs, including Wannabe Princess and Under 5s. Specializing in everything from interior design and home renovation to body-positive fashion and early years development,