Good hygiene begins with babies, who are incapable of looking after themselves. At this early age, it is up to the parents or carers to make sure children are kept clean and healthy and exposure to potentially harmful germs kept to a minimum. Children do learn by example, so they will follow the practices of parents who have a good hygienic routine. Good hygiene practices commenced at home will take them through their school years where they will be exposed to contact with many other children and shared desks and chairs.

Hand washing

This is by far the most important hygiene practice to teach children. Using soap and water, encourage them to sing a favourite short song, to ensure they wash their hands for the appropriate amount of time. Make sure they wash their hands before eating, after going to the toilet, after playing outdoors and several other times throughout the day. Children can also suffer from unexpected sneezes, coughs and runny noses at any time. It is therefore important to teach them to cover their mouth when coughing and to blow runny noses. It is also important to be wary of using a hand wash that is made with too many chemicals, as it could cause some irritation for the children. To combat this, be sure to go for a natural, nontoxic hand soap so that they don’t face any discomfort when they wash their hands regularly.

Use an app

There is an app that teaches children the importance of cleanliness and grooming. This app allows your child to role play washing hands, shampooing, washing clothes and using the toilet. This is done in an easy to understand and fun way and will instil in them the significance of proper hygiene. There are also books and DVDs which cover this essential subject.

Bath time

Make bath time fun with bubbles! Children can make a bubble beard or see how many bubbles they can hold in their hands. Explain that bubbles wash the dirt and germs away and they will be nice and clean when they hop into bed. Bath time will be more fun if they have their own character face washer. Waterproof bath toys can also encourage bath time.

Make your routine their routine

Young children will want to know why men shave and why you put cream on your face. When you are in the bathroom, encourage them to brush their teeth with you, wash their hands with you or comb their hair with you. Make sure children have their own toothbrush and hairbrush for good hygiene. They will want to use the things that you are using, so this is a good way to get them to follow a hygienic routine.

Every parent knows that once children come along, a clean house becomes much more important. Young children will put anything they find into their mouths and handprints on walls and dirty floors become the norm for many families with boisterous healthy children. It is a good idea to occasionally engage a professional cleaning service to give your home a thorough clean. AMC Commercial Cleaning employ trained professionals who will do all the messy work for you. Teach children that hygiene is not a chore; it is a necessary practice to safeguard them from hidden bacteria and germs. Just bear in mind that there is also good bacteria, which our bodies actually need.

Kim Blair