Practicing good hygiene is crucial to our health, no matter our age. As adults, it’s our job to help our kids understand how to be healthy and why it matters. Here are some tips for keeping your kids hygienic in general, and especially during the spread of COVID-19.
Education
First, explain to your kids that your skin acts as a filter for your body. The skin is like your “armor”; it keeps germs from getting into your body and protects the tissue and organs inside your body. Tell them good germs keep them healthy, but bad germs can make them sick.
Hand washing
Correct handwashing is vital. Tell your kids to wash their hands for at least 20 seconds — the amount of time needed to sing the alphabet song or the ‘happy birthday’ song twice. The longer you wash, the more germs will be washed away. Lace your fingers together and wash in between each digit. Don’t forget to lather up the thumbs and wrists. Clean nails by scrubbing them against the palm of the hand. Rinse well with running water.
Using hand sanitizer
Buy each of your kids their own hand sanitizer and tell them to use it before and after being outdoors. Explain to them how germs are spread by touch; so if they touch their friend’s water bottle, they have just shared their germs with that friend. If their hands are germ-free, then touching the water bottle will not pass on germs to their friend.
Keeping hands off
Taking your kids to the store can be challenging when it comes to hygiene. Most young ones will touch any item that grabs their attention — be it food, a toy, or a book. More than that, kids touch counters, registers, and shelves. Try taking small toys to the store so their hands are busy and full, or make up a game to see who does not touch anything in the store. Consider letting your kids wear gloves when you shop — soft plush velvet or superhero, or any glove that keeps their hands protected.
Praising good hygiene
When your kid practices good hygiene, with or without your prompt, compliment their wise choice. Every kid likes to be praised and told they are doing well. Make a point of how their behavior is not only good for them but also good for those around them.
Using tissues
Get your child into the habit of covering their mouth and nose with a tissue when they sneeze or cough, or sneezing or coughing into the crook of their arm if they can’t reach a tissue fast enough. Consider buying your kids their own box to use when they want to pick their nose!
Taking steps to ensure your kids are hygienic will contribute to overall health and wellbeing. With some education and a little creative distraction, shopping as a family can be stress-free for parents and safe for kids.
Read More: Flip through the Summer Issue 2020.
