Between the ages of 2 and 3, your child’s self-awareness increases, and she begins to understand that she needs to take care of herself. So, in the same way that you would warn her about the risks of touching hot objects on the cooker, you can teach her about keeping clean.
A tip: Your child learns better when she is relaxed and having fun. So, keep hygiene activities enjoyable by placing toys in the bath, singing and chatting to her while she washes herself, and chuckling while you explain why she shouldn’t share a cup with a friend who has a cold.
While many toddlers have passed the stage where they put every single thing in their mouths, lots still have this habit.
There is a risk of germs and diseases from licking or tasting dirty objects.
Your child and her friend might share the same cup when having a drink, or when they take crisps from the same bag, lick their fingers, and then put their wet hands back in the bag again.
Many germs are spread when one child sneezes or coughs openly while playing with a group of friends.
As a result, when your child starts preschool, she has an increased risk of upper respiratory infections.
Bath time can be great fun for your two year old, but it can also be a struggle, especially when it comes to har-washing. Fear of water getting in her eyes or of the water being too hot can make her reluctant to wash regularly.
Isn’t it amazing how the typical toddler loves to to stick her finger up her nose and dig out the contents?
She thoroughly enjoys this personal habit, whereas everyone around her finds it yucky.
While she may be too young to brush her own teeth, most experts suggest that she could at least chew on a damp toothbrush as part of her getting-ready-for-bed routine, as this gets her into the habit of thinking about cleaning her teeth.
Help her brush her teeth, too.
Text: Dr. Richard C. Woolfson/Young Parents