Back in the day; I mean some twelve years ago when my daughter was a toddler, I used to teach her personal hygiene while she was unable to comprehend anything. While most children do not even remember their early years of being 2 or 3 years old many can remember the things you did for them as a parent; when you remind them of what you use to do to help them mature and grow up over the years. Today, I see it has truly paid off. My mother often shared with my daughter personal hygiene when she began to smell under her arm pits and started the need to have to use deodorant. You have to teach your child the basic fundamentals about personal hygiene. Personal hygiene is something that definitely cannot be avoided.

The only way for your child to learn it, is if you teach it. It’s something they will not learn on their own. Children do what they have been told to do, and they do what they see others do, meaning you as a parent or someone else they come into contact with; whether a relative, teacher, or friend. Once your children continue to grow older and understand the purpose and need for good personal hygiene it’s like a feeling of accomplishment for one aspect of parenting. I remember I used to brush and floss my teeth with my daughter; today I just friendly remind her of the dentist and she makes it her business to brush and floss on her own. I taught my daughter at an early age how to bathe properly and how to brush and floss her teeth; It’s alright to allow your child to eat candy; as long as you let them know they should brush and floss their teeth every day; “two-times” a day or more if necessary. I guess she was about 6 or 7 years old when I stopped physically bathing her myself.

Personal hygiene goes way beyond brushing and flossing teeth. A simple gesture such as washing your hands before opening the door of your refrigerator is good hygiene teaching; especially if your child has just come from outdoors playing. Believe it or not your children are a reflection of you as a parent. They’re in your image and likeness; so the more your children see you do the things beneficial for yourself, they will want to do likewise as long as it’s helpful and beneficial for their betterment. Personal hygiene is a “life-long” need and should be taught at a very early age once you see your child is coordinated and has good physical statue without any complications while taking care of themselves.

The whole body from head to toe needs personal attention regularly and should not be excluded on a daily basis. Remember, when your parents teased you about “toe-jam”, told you to come to them so they could clean your “nose” out; and clean your “ear-lopes.” to get that wax out of your ears. If so, chances are you were raised with good personal hygiene habits. Teach these good habits to your children, and be thankful you were taught them yourself at some time in your life span.

Your child or children are an asset to you and not a liability. Look, Children are a heritage from the Lord, the fruit of your womb is a reward. Psalm 127:3. If you are struggling with your parental rights and responsibilities sign-up to receive tips on life in general and I can help you with your parenting concerns.

Copyright © 2007 Clark A. Thomas

Clark A. Thomas, business owner, consultant and author, he discusses practical ways to make life less stressful. Writing articles has helped him become known online, and sell more products online.

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