As your toddler grows up, there are lots of habits they will need to grow out of. They will need to learn about personal hygiene, not only as it’s good manners but also because it will help them in taking care of themselves and others. A good place to start is getting them to wash their hands regularly – before eating, when coming into contact with unclean surfaces and after using the bathroom. To get them to do so all by themselves, they will need reminders and easy access to a basin. Something that can easily be sorted with a child-stool. For more tips on teaching toddlers about personal hygiene, keep reading as we share expert tips from EYFS teachers below.
Make Bath Time Enjoyable
Bath time can be tricky for parents. To make it less stressful for both you and your toddler, it may be a good idea to invest in some bath toys that they like. They will be more inclined to hop in and it will keep them occupied whilst you bath them.
Get Them Involved
You could also use bath time as an opportunity to teach your child how to bathe themselves by giving them their own bath sponge or loofa to wash half of their body whilst you do the other.
Time to Brush Their Teeth
Their teeth are just as important to take care of and they must learn to brush their teeth every morning and night. To ensure that they do, make time before they become tired and sleepy.
Breaking Bad Habits
Aside from bath time and washing their hands, children must also be able to recognise what is “yucky” and stop bad habits like picking their nose and putting things in their mouth. At first your child might do this to explore different objects and learn about the world around them, however as they get older they will need to stop. This is something that you can also get them to remember by using reminders.
Introducing Germs
To help your child get on board, it’s important that you explain why cleanliness is important. Germs are the biggest reason – they spread quickly and make us and those around us ill. To help them understand what you mean, you may use an analogy and explain that germs are like bugs, except that they cannot be seen. Emphasise that to stop the spread they will need to wash their hands, cover their mouth when coughing or sneezing and try to be clean.
Repetition helps and not every toddler will learn at the same rate. Have patience with your toddler and enjoy the process.
*Collaborative post
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