All kiddies need to learn how to be clean and have good hygiene habits. It is vital they learn these skills from a young age to set them up for their older years.

Remember good hygiene is about ensuring your child doesn’t keep getting sick because they don’t wash their hands enough. Everyone needs to have good hygiene habits and, as a parent, it is up to us to show our kiddies how and why they need to be clean.

Think of the basics – Your child should know how to wash their hands, cover their mouth when they cough or sneeze as well as having regular visits to the bathtub! These are the basics after all but and they are vitally important. Another important basic hygiene habit is teeth brushing as many kids hate to brush their teeth, but it is important for their oral health. You may find your child will do anything to get away with washing hands or brushing teeth, so it is up to you to keep their focus and encourage them to be hygienic.

Talk about it – You need your child to talk about hygiene and the importance of it from a young age. The last thing you want is a teenager who won’t take a shower and is too embarrassed to talk about it. Start your kiddie young and chat about baths, cleaning their bodies and why it is good to be clean. Tell your child what happens if they don’t wash themselves and how their teeth may fall out if they don’t brush them!

Show your child – The best way for your kiddie to learn is from you so ensure you wash your hands frequently and show your child how to wash them properly. Have soap available in the bathroom and towels low down so your child can access them easily. Show your child how to prepare and eat food by washing their hands first; remind them not to touch raw food and then play with their toys. If you have a pet show your kid how important it is to wash afterwards and always have tissues handy for sneezing and blowing noses. That way your child won't have to resort to using their sleeve! Get everyone in the family involved by encouraging good hygiene habits.

Make it fun – Kids don’t love cleaning and being clean but make it fun! Have a basket for clothes that they can throw into and make a game of it like basketball. Encourage the kids to stand at a certain point and throw their clothes in. Give the kids little baskets for their room for their underwear so they don’t feel embarrassed and let them bring their bits down. Teach them to do it every day and offer rewards for being clean. Show your kids how to hang up their uniform each day and ways to keep their room tidy and fresh by changing bed sheets regularly, putting rubbish away and cleaning their desk.

Good luck!