Personal hygiene for children: Tips on how parents can teach personal hygiene to school going kids

Whether your child is just starting school or resuming classes after vacations, she is being exposed to germs in many ways. Germs can spread very quickly from child to child when they cough, sneeze or eat contaminated food. Students are at risk of exposure to germs while playing, sharing food with friends, mixing closely with other children, etc. In fact, schools can be a breeding ground of germs. And, if you do not teach your child about the importance of proper hygiene in school, she will be susceptible to various illnesses like cough, cold, fever, head lice, etc.

Importance of school hygiene for students

Good personal hygiene is important not only for your child but for the entire family as well. The germs your child picks up at school can easily spread to the rest of the family.

You may ensure your child wears a clean uniform and carries all the school essentials, but it is also vital that you teach him basic cleanliness. This article looks at various ways to ensure that students understand the importance of personal hygiene in school.

You can follow some simple steps that will help in two ways-one, these steps can promote good personal hygiene in children and two, they help prevent the spread of germs in school.

Tips for teaching kids about good personal hygiene habits

1. Hygiene starts with the hands

Hand washing is one of the most important and basic hygiene habits you should teach your child. It is also an effective way to prevent the spread of germs in school. Teach your child to wash her hands thoroughly with soap and water before and after eating food, after using the toilet, coughing or sneezing, playing in the school ground, etc.

Washing hands with soap and water should become a daily habit with your children.

2. Ensure your child's finger nails are clean

It is a widely known fact that fingernails are a breeding ground for bacteria. The germs that accumulate under your child's nails can get easily transferred to his mouth, eyes and nose. This can lead to infection and illness in most cases. Ensure that your child's fingernails are clipped and trimmed every week on a regular basis.

3. Teach your child to cover her nose while coughing or sneezing

When your child coughs or sneezes without covering her nose and mouth, germs get airborne. This can be especially dangerous in a classroom where the children are seated close to each other. To prevent this, encourage your child to use a handkerchief. Tissues work just as well. Make sure your child throws the used tissues in a bin and washes her hands with soap and water afterwards.

If your child gets sick, ensure that you visit the doctor if he is not getting better in a couple of days. Do not send your child to school until he has fully recovered. Remember, staying clean and following proper personal hygiene habits is the beginning to a healthy life for your child.