Teaching your toddler about personal hygiene
This is a collaborative post.
Are you worried about teaching your toddler about personal hygiene? These tips will help you understand how to do it effectively.
Having and raising a child comes with a number of duties. From teaching them how to walk, to helping them say their first word, there are so many milestones that parents look out for and cherish.
However, one thing that is taught without much recognition is personal hygiene. Teaching your toddler about personal hygiene is actually an essential part of their overall development.
By instilling good hygiene habits from an early age, you can help to lay the foundation for a lifetime of cleanliness and well-being. Below is a guide advised by this private school in Surrey, that goes into more detail on how you can teach your child about personal hygiene.
Set the right example
Before you begin teaching your child anything, you need to ensure that you are practising it yourself beforehand.
Children learn best through observation, which means they will take into consideration how you model hygiene practices yourself. Allow your toddler to see you brushing your teeth, washing your hands, and maintaining your cleanliness.
Don’t be afraid to be vocal about your actions, explaining the importance of each step you take. By simply observing and mimicking your actions, your child will develop an understanding of personal hygiene as something that is a natural part of daily life.
Make it fun
Naturally, toddlers are curious and ready to explore the world around them. Do your best to tap into this innate curiosity by making personal hygiene something that is enjoyable to complete.
When teaching them, incorporate songs, games and colourful visuals to keep your child engaged and interested. Bath time is a great opportunity to include sensory play, using safe and age-appropriate toys.
Do your best to help your child create a simple routine that includes brushing their teeth, washing their hands, and taking a bath or shower. This could easily double up as special bonding time with your child.
Use simple language
It’s easy to forget that children need a little more patience when it comes to teaching them new concepts and practices. And with good reason as they are still developing and finding their feet on the Earth.
When teaching your child about something as important as personal hygiene, be sure to use simple language to make sure they understand what you are saying.
Explain each step at a pace that suits them, and be prepared to have to repeat yourself a few times.
You can use visual aids if your child appreciates that form of learning, and use this time to inform them of how important cleanliness is to their overall wellbeing.
Teaching your child about personal hygiene is important for their health and future. By using the tips above, you can help your child develop good habits that will stay with them for life.
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