Early childhood habits are here to stay

It is said that the easiest way for a habit to last a lifetime is when it is inculcated in early childhood. As adults now, we are all sub-consciously following regular habits that have been formed since our early years. These habits, whether behavioural, lifestyle or dietary, seem effortless now, however they have been part of lives from childhood to adulthood now. It is thus important for parents to teach children basic hygiene habits at a young age to reduce the risk of health diseases.

It is said that the easiest way for a habit to last a lifetime is when it is inculcated in early childhood. As adults now, we are all sub-consciously following regular habits that have been formed since our early years. These habits, whether behavioural, lifestyle or dietary, seem effortless now, however they have been part of lives from childhood to adulthood now. It is thus important for parents to teach children basic hygiene habits at a young age to reduce the risk of health diseases.

While maintaining good hygiene has always been important, it has become inevitable now. There has been a significant shift in hygiene parameters in the last few years given the current health scenario across the globe. Even though basic habits like hand washing and bathing everyday were considered important earlier, they have now become a must. The usual handshake greeting has been replaced by a fist-bump or a wave, sharing food or beverages in a large group has been reduced, ensuring you cover your mouth while sneezing/coughing, blowing candles over a cake and many such things have become part of regular hygiene routine now.

While we are being cautious and taking such precautions as adults, it is important to prepare the younger ones for a healthy hygiene routine as well. On a daily basis, children interact with many people – in school, at home, at the playground which makes it even more crucial for parents to build a positive hygiene routine for their kids.

For younger children, it is important for parents to instill the culture of good hygiene. Teaching them daily habits like brushing and bathing every day, washing your hands before and after eating, sanitising once you return from outside, covering your mouth and nose while sneezing and coughing, etc, are some of the most basic habits. Additionally, it becomes easier for children to follow these habits once they know the consequences and reason behind each of them. For example, telling your child that they will have to miss out on going to school or to the playground if they fall sick automatically creates a sense of fear and encourages them to take the necessary precautions.

Modelling the right behaviour for children

Children are extremely influenced by their surroundings which is why it is important to start teaching them young. They start to copy and behave in a similar fashion as their parents do. If your child sees you misbehave with a waiter at the restaurant or sees you thank a security guard for opening the door for you, he/she will follow suit. Hence, it is important for parents and other family members to adapt to these habits themselves first and then practice it so their children learn to follow it. Creating fun games and activities have proven to be one of the most effective ways in which children adapt to habits. Protekt’s Magic handwash is one such option most engaging for kids as they make the handwash from powder to liquid form.

Creating mini advocates

While you ensure the child is following a healthy hygiene routine and taking care of himself/herself, it is also necessary for his/her friends and classmates to maintain these habits. Children at a younger age are sensitive, explaining to them the need to keep each other healthy, disease-free and safe is important. Once you teach your child to follow these habits, they start to influence others around them. It is natural for a child to follow and want things that his/her friend are using. Using this positively, to ensure the child and her friends are protected against mosquito bites or deadly diseases like malaria, dengue, make the child use the Goodknight Fabric Roll-On or wear mosquito repellent patch. When one child sees a friend applying a mosquito repellent roll on, she tends to follow the trend. Practices can be adopted keeping in mind other diseases.

Another thing to keep in mind is, complimenting and appreciating positive behaviour. Rewarding a child even in the smallest way for a good habit or gesture goes a long way. Be it at home or in school, parents and teachers should acknowledge their children every time they do something good which in turn will motivate them.

Three easy tips for positive parenting:

Accepting mistakes: As parents, we tend to get very rigid about the way our child behaves and learns. We immediately pounce on our children every time they make a mistake and try to correct them. As parents, we need to make space for a healthy room for errors and encourage experimentation. These are the years for our children to try new things and falter, and we should be able to allow them to make mistakes and move ahead with these learnings.

Creating an open channel of communication: While we all want our children to be well-behaved and obedient, it is also important for parents to create a two-way communication. This will make it easier for your children to have frank and open discussions with you and will also help them build their own opinions and point of view.

Be the person you want your child to grow up to be: Modelling the right behaviour is crucial in forming the growth of your children. Allow your children to see the real you, if you have a bad day at work or a celebration at home let them be a part of it. Children need to understand the different ways in which we handle good and bad situations, preparing them for the future.

Make the best use of your child’s formative years to build these lifelong habits.