By the time we become adults, we pretty much know everything there is about taking care of our bodies.

Most of us know the basics, but our kids may not find hygiene as important as we do. As parents, it’s our duty to make sure our kids understand the importance of good hygiene.

Here are a few tips you’ll want to share with your kids, along with explanations on why these hygiene habits are important for their health and well-being.

  • Keeping our bodies clean is important, not only because no one likes to smell bad, but dirt and bacteria can cause unsanitary conditions that may lead to sickness. Remind kids to always wash their hands after using the bathroom, handling food and before eating. Bathing on a regular basis is also important, as it keeps bumps and scrapes clean and free of infection.
  • Changing our clothes when they are dirty helps us keep from not only getting the clothes dirtier, but from transferring dirt and sweat onto our bodies. We all have favorite outfits, but Mom or Dad needs to wash them regularly to keep us safe and clean. Nobody likes to be picked on, and if you’re wearing the same, dirty clothes every day, other kids may tease you at school.
  • Brushing our teeth not only keeps our breath smelling fresh and clean, but helps prevent cavities and tooth decay. It’s also important to make regular visits to the dentist for cleanings and inspection.
  • Washing our hair regularly keeps oils from building up that may lead to itchy scalp and dandruff. After washing, make sure you remind Mom or Dad to use a wide tooth comb to get all the tangles out of your hair, so you don’t have to worry about them getting worse. Tangles hurt, but they hurt much more when there are lots of them built up over time.
  • Never share combs, brushes, barrettes or hair clips, lip balms or other products with your friends. It’s neat to have things your friends want to try out, but germs that lead to colds and flu and parasites (like head lice) can be easily passed from one child to another if you share hair brushes, combs or hair clips.

Teaching children about basic hygiene early is imperative to creating lifelong good hygiene habits. We all want our kids to be healthy and happy, and good personal hygiene will ensure they stay that way.