How to Teach Grooming to Children
- 1). Lead by example. Because children typically model their parents' behavior, it is important to groom yourself properly in front of your child. Wash your hands after using the bathroom and before eating a meal. Brush your teeth and hair in the morning, and always maintain a neat appearance.
- 2). Talk to your child about why it is important to have good hygiene. Explain that she will attract germs if she does not maintain her personal hygiene. For example, you can say, "The best way to fend off germs is to keep yourself clean. If you wash your hands after you use the bathroom, the germs will stay away."
- 3). Help your child develop a routine, so she is consistent with her grooming habits. Teach her to brush her teeth in the morning and at night and wash her hands after she uses the bathroom. Also, remind her to wash her face in the morning and to comb her hair before she goes to school. If you notice her grooming herself without a reminder, reward her with a candy bar or a trip to the ice cream store.
- 4). Allow your child to have fun with grooming. For example, you can let your child pick out a soap that is in the shape of her favorite animal or flavored toothpaste. By treating grooming as an enjoyable experience, your child will not treat it like a chore.
