Teaching about the importance of personal hygiene for kids is far from easy and it can
feel like a thankless task. Your child needs to keep themselves clean to remain healthy
and to feel good about themselves. Good personal hygiene will help boost their self-
esteem and confidence.
Handwashing
Childhood is the best time to make handwashing a habit. Your child’s hands come into
direct contact with harmful germs and pathogens on a daily basis, but their immune
system is still developing. It is particularly important to encourage handwashing after
touching something dirty, after using the toilet and before eating.
Bathing
For children, as for adults, regular baths or showers are key – particularly after messy
activities or exercise.
Hair care
Younger children may not like washing their hair, and the good news is that most kids
only need to do so two or three times per week. However, hormonal changes during
puberty mean that this may need to increase to at least once every other day.
Teeth
Oral hygiene is another area where it’s best to start early. Brushing and flossing should
be an integral part of your child’s morning and night routines so that they continue to do
this in later life.