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What is personal care?

Personal hygiene is how we take care of our bodies. Part of growing up and becoming independent is learning how to care for our bodies. Being able to look after their own body and develop a personal care routine is an important life skill for children.

As children grow, being able to take care of themselves will give them a sense of achievement and will positively impact personal relationships. Being clean and cared for helps to maintain health and wellbeing and reduces the risk of infection and illness.

Tips for teaching children the importance of personal hygiene

• Set good habits from an early age – this will help children to understand the importance and to develop the skills to care for their own bodies
• Allow young children to help. They can become independent in part of the task
• Use visual prompts or a timetable as a useful reminder of the routine and individual steps to promote independence
• Talk through routines with your child and explain the importance of taking care of themselves
• Provide opportunities to learn

10 points to personal hygiene

1. Hand washing
2. Bathing
3. Brush teeth twice a day
4. Floss teeth
5. Take care of nails
6. Wear clean clothes
7. Cover mouth when coughing or sneezing
8. Good sleep routine
9. Create a routine
10. Visit the GP and dentist