Teaching children hygiene

[Grace]

I know a lot of people are probably teaching their kids how to read and stuff, but I really want my dd to understand the importance of keeping her body and teeth clean and how to keep her body and teeth clean. Many diseases and health problems are caused by lack of hygiene. This is not something my mother taught me, so I don't know how to go about teaching my kids.

[melizerd]

I would just make sure you show her how to take a bath/shower later, and tell her why you do it. Go in and brush your teeth at night with her and make it a fun game. My parents always brushed their teeth with us at night. It just became part of the bedtime routine in our house and became a habit for us to do. I think most hygiene things are habits that you learn.

It's so much easier to instill them now when she's little then having her try and do it when she's older. I'm sure you'll do a good job just because you know you want to make sure she does it.

[dinapooh2]

A lot of the cartoon/learning shows have episodes about hygiene, too. I've seen coloring sheets on the Nick Jr. and PBS kids websites, too.

[dinapooh2]

Oh, yeah... And kids books at the library, too.

[Elaine]

I agree with Mel. Do it yourself and explain why you brush your teeth, wash your hands, etc. and make it a habit.
When washing hands, put your hands down in the water around hers and show her how to do it at the same time explaining "We wash our hands really good because..."

It's not something my mother instilled in us as children either. I can't remember ever being made to brush my teeth so it's hard thing for me to remember to remind my kids to do every night. It's something I NEED to do though to make sure they don't have the same problems I have.