6 Personal Hygiene Habits to Teach Your Kids

For parents, it is easy to follow hygiene habits since they already know about the importance of good hygiene (whether that is through the easy way or the hard way). However, it’s a different ball game when teaching personal hygiene for kids. It would help if you kept your kids healthy. And for that, we’ve created a simple guide. Let’s check the details.

Why is Good Hygiene Important?

Teaching kids personal hygiene habits is important for several reasons:

  • Promotes health: Good hygiene practices help prevent the spread of germs and illnesses, keeping children healthy at every stage of growing children.
  • Encourages cleanliness: Developing good hygiene habits at a young age can help children learn the importance of being clean and tidy, which can carry over into adulthood.
  • Builds self-esteem: Children who practice good hygiene feel good about themselves and have more confidence.

Tips for Teaching Good Hygiene to Kids

The purpose of a guide on teaching kids how to use hygiene products and maintain good hygiene habits is to provide parents and caregivers with information and tips on how to effectively teach children about proper hygiene practices, including hand-washing, brushing their teeth, and covering their mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing. The guide can also help children establish and maintain good hygiene habits that can contribute to their overall health and well-being.

1. Washing Hands

Regular hand-washing is crucial in preventing the spread of germs and illnesses. Encourage your children to make it a habit to wash their hands frequently, especially after contact with potentially contaminated surfaces or activities. Remind them to use soap and water, and to scrub for at least 20 seconds. Drying hands thoroughly with a clean towel or air dryer is also important since moisture is the best place for germs and bacteria to thrive.

For promoting proper hand hygiene in your house, you can put some posters inside the washroom on how to use hygiene products. Your kids need to not only wash their hands properly but also know when to use hand sanitizers and wet wipes. They need to wash their hands: 

  • Before eating.
  • After touching frequently-touched areas. 
  • Before and after treating wounds.
  • After touching pets. 
  • After using the toilet.

Also, your kids will need to use hand sanitizers and wet wipes when the washroom is not at hand reach.

2. Brushing Teeth Twice a Day

Brushing teeth regularly is essential for maintaining good oral health and preventing tooth decay and gum disease. It is recommended to brush your teeth at least twice a day, in the morning and before bedtime, for two minutes each time. Using toothpaste can also help strengthen teeth and prevent cavities. 

Make sure to supervise your children while brushing and flossing to ensure they are using the proper technique and to help them establish good oral hygiene habits that will last a lifetime.

3. Covering the Mouth When Sneezing or Coughing

Covering your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing helps to prevent the spread of germs and reduce the risk of illness. Encourage your children to use a tissue to cover their mouth and nose, or to cough or sneeze into their elbow if a tissue is not available. 

Remind them to throw used tissues in the trash immediately and wash their hands after coughing or sneezing to further reduce the spread of germs.

4. Bathing Regularly

Regular bathing is an important aspect of good hygiene. It helps to keep the skin clean and free of dirt, oil, and bacteria that can cause skin irritation or infections. Encourage your children to take a bath or shower at least once a day, and to use soap to wash their bodies, including under their arms, behind their ears, and between their legs. 

Teach them to wash their hair regularly and to rinse thoroughly to remove soap and shampoo. Regular bathing can help your children feel fresh, clean, and confident, and promote overall health and well-being.

5. Avoiding Touching the Face

Touching the face, especially the mouth, nose, and eyes, can introduce germs and bacteria into the body, which can lead to illness. Encourage your children to minimize face-touching, especially after being in contact with potentially contaminated surfaces or objects. Remind them to wash their hands frequently, especially before touching their face, to reduce the risk of infection. This simple habit can help keep your children healthy and prevent the spread of germs.

6. Cleaning and Disinfecting Surfaces

Regular cleaning and disinfecting of frequently-touched surfaces can help prevent the spread of germs and reduce the risk of illness. Encourage your children to clean and disinfect their personal spaces, such as desks, keyboards, phones, and toys, regularly using an appropriate disinfectant. 

Teach them the importance of cleaning these items to keep them germ-free and healthy. Cleaning and disinfecting surfaces can be a simple but effective way to maintain good hygiene and promote overall health.

These were all the tips that you as a parent need to consider to teach your kids to take care of their bodies properly. If they follow the simple hygiene habits at your home, most probably they may follow them outside of the house as well.

Article and Resources Contribution by Arnold Williams

Are you looking for inspiration for helping your tween and teen grow? Are you tired of feeling run down and want guidance on how to feel better and be healthier?

Work with me personally! Click for more information on my coaching sessions. Please click here if you’d like to reach out to me for general inquiries, media appearances, and/or speaking engagements.

To you and your family living a more healthy, productive, and fulfilling life!

To your self-care!

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5 Ways to Deal With a Midlife Crisis: Coping Strategies

Being in your 40s and 50s gets a bad wrap. Many people this age have spent years caring for their
children and are typically at a stage now when the kids are more independent. This allows parents the opportunity to reclaim more of their time and identity. No matter where you are during this time, instead of dreading the idea of a midlife crisis, embrace the opportunity to rediscover your passions while keeping the bonds you have worked hard to develop with your children.

Here are five ideas that can help rejuvenate your zest for life:

1. Go on a Retreat

Taking time off from your busy schedule to go on a retreat and spending time in nature will help you meet new friends, as well as reconnect with yourself. Try something new like rock climbing, yoga, or meditation as you spend time away from home, and come back rejuvenated and ready to take on the world.

Getting out of your comfort zone, facing your fears, and taking part in new experiences will also boost your self-confidence, and you’ll feel better in your own skin – and mind – after a retreat.

2. Take a Break from Social Media

Too much time spent scrolling through your social media feeds can be detrimental to yourmental health and your self-esteem. Mind Help explains that FOMO, or the fear of missing out, doesn’t just plague the younger generations.

Mature people can also feel rejected and isolated or compare themselves negatively as they look at their friends’ “highlight reels” on social media posts. So log off and stay away from your electronics for a while. Instead, indulge in a book you’ve been meaning to read or relax in front of a movie or tv series your friends recommended.

3. Change Careers or Start Your Own Business

If you are always feeling concerned about your finances, consider adding to your revenue stream by starting a new side hustle from home. Using your personal computer, you can tutor students, become a personal assistant, help companies with their marketing campaigns, or
perform a number of other lucrative activities that will make you feel more optimistic about your future.

When you know what you want to do, then revise your resume or CV to reflect that goal. Find a template for a CV online and simply add in your information. There are plenty of templates to choose from, and you can modify the font, colors, and text easily to make it into your unique document.

You could also start a new business if you are unhappy with your current employment. Think about what you enjoy doing and what skills you have. Then look online to see what people are hiring others to do for them. If you’re good with people and have an
eye for colors and details, consider starting an interior design company. If you’re passionate about design, enjoy getting out to new locations, and think on your feet, then click here for more information about what it takes to get into the interior design business.

4. Spend Time With Old Friends

When you don’t have kids at home anymore, it’s easy to start feeling lonely and unneeded. But The Science of People encourages you to take advantage of the free time you now have to reconnect with old friends and gather together for coffee, dinner, a visit to an art gallery, or a fun night out. Chances are some of them are experiencing the same thing you’re going through with their own family, and they’re also craving opportunities for get-togethers with people their own age.

If you’ve lost touch with classmates you’d like to catch up with, turn to the Internet for help. You may be able to find them on social media or by entering the name of your school and the year you graduated or via mutual friends. Once you’ve located them, send them a message and revive your friendship!

5. Learn a New Skill

Take a class on a subject you have a deep interest in, such as art or photography, or spend time on a hobby that makes you feel accomplished, like puzzles, journaling, or cooking. Pursuing your passion can help you fight off anxiety and depression as it raises your
happiness levels, whether you’re doing it solo or with a group of like-minded people. Your confidence will also rise as you start mastering your new craft, and you’ll be motivated to continue making self-care a priority.

BONUS: Make Time for Yourself

You have spent many years caring for other people. Now it’s time to really think about what you want out of life. As you go through a midlife crisis, keep busy and carve out time to experience new things. Keep depression and anxiety at bay as you work on self-care and increase your self- confidence. And make plenty of room for happiness as you embark on your new journey.

Article and Resources Contribution by Jason Kenner

Work with me personally! Click for more information on my coaching sessions. Please click here if you’d like to reach out to me for general inquiries, media appearances, and/or speaking engagements.

To you and your family living a more healthy, productive, and fulfilling life!

To your self-care!

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7 Self-Care Tips for Parents

There are many challenges that parents have these days. Caring for a child can take a heavy emotional, physical, and mental toll on parents. Thankfully, there is a lot you can do to combat fatigue and maintain the energy you need to keep up with your child. I’ve provided some ways to help you quickly diagnose your level of parental fatigue and create a self-care treatment plan to get your well-being on track.

1. Assess Your Level of Fatigue

Start by evaluating your current fatigue levels. Rate your daily fatigue on a scale of 1 to 10, with 10 being the most severe fatigue you can imagine. For more help determining how fatigue impacts your life, ask yourself the following four questions:

● How is your sleep quality?
● How much time do you spend providing care to your child each day?
● How is your marital satisfaction?
● Do you have symptoms of depression and/or anxiety?

Thinking about questions like these can highlight specific challenges causing your fatigue or resulting from your fatigue. Understanding how fatigue affects your life can help you make a realistic self-help plan. Untreated parental fatigue can quickly lead to parental burnout.

2. Make Time for Personal Goals

Balancing your parenting roles and responsibilities alongside your personal goals can be challenging. When juggling the demands of parenting, it’s easy to set aside personal aspirations. However, making time for personal hobbies, pursuits, and passions can help you maintain your sense of self and gain greater fulfillment in your life.

Pursuing your passions or working towards personal milestones not only enriches your life but also sets a positive example for your children. Whether it’s picking up a new hobby, advancing your career, or dedicating time to fitness, prioritizing your goals can rejuvenate your spirit and enhance your overall well-being. Remember, a fulfilled and content parent is better equipped to nurture and support their family.

For example, if your current job feels too stressful or mundane, consider seeking a new position. Create a professional-looking resume to increase your shot at landing the job you want. To save you time, take advantage of online resume templates and tools. The best resume editor provides a library of professionally designed templates that you can customize with your information.

3. Set Boundaries and Prioritize Time for Yourself

During stressful times—or a stressful life—it’s important to maintain a self-care mindset. Turn your attention and energy toward daily actions that make a positive difference in your life. Focus on all the things you can control and forget about everything else. For example, make time regularly for movement, snack on fruits and vegetables, and go to bed early.

Importantly, practice setting boundaries without feeling guilty. It’s essential to carve out time that’s just for you. Whether it’s a quiet cup of coffee in the morning, a workout session, or simply reading a book, make sure you have moments each day or week that are dedicated to your own well-being. Communicate your needs to your family so they understand the importance of this time.

4. Prepare for Unwanted Outcomes

Directing your focus toward self-care can lead to a few unwanted outcomes. Be prepared for these, so you’re not caught off-guard. For example, prioritizing self-care might mean spending less time on household chores and parenting tasks, causing your partner to overcompensate. Talk to your partner about your needs so you can come up with a self-care strategy that works for everyone in your household.

Moreover, another risk involves relying on self-help techniques for treating mental health concerns. While mild depression and anxiety can be managed through self-care, it may be better to seek professional help if you’re dealing with severe and chronic symptoms. Under-treating mental health concerns can lead to persistent problems with fatigue that only worsen as the symptoms weigh on you.

Parental fatigue can be debilitating. If you’re feeling the effects of chronic fatigue, make a personal treatment plan so you can start feeling like yourself again. Embrace a self-care mindset and make time for personal goals, like changing careers or building a business. As you take daily, consistent steps to make self-care a priority, your energy will rebound and your zest for life will be back on the rise.

5. Connect with Other Parents 

Sharing experiences with other parents can provide emotional support and practical advice. Whether through a local parenting group, online community, or just a casual meet-up with friends, connecting with others who understand your challenges can be incredibly validating and reassuring.

This connection not only alleviates stress but also allows for the exchange of tips and strategies that can make everyday parenting tasks more manageable. In essence, these interactions create a supportive environment where parents can recharge, find encouragement, and gain perspective, ultimately enhancing their overall well-being and resilience.

6. Practice Mindfulness and Relaxation Techniques 

Incorporating mindfulness practices like meditation, deep breathing, or even just a few minutes of quiet reflection can help reduce stress and improve your overall mood. These techniques can help you stay grounded and manage the everyday pressures of parenting.

By cultivating mindfulness, you can improve your ability to respond to challenges with patience and composure rather than reacting impulsively. Regular relaxation practices not only reduce stress levels but also enhance emotional resilience, allowing you the mental clarity to approach your roles with a more level-headed perspective. This self-care approach fosters a healthier mindset, enabling you to better support your children while maintaining your well-being.

7. Seek Professional Support When Needed

Sometimes, talking to a therapist or counselor can provide valuable insights and coping strategies. Don’t hesitate to seek professional help if you’re feeling overwhelmed or if you need guidance in managing stress and maintaining a healthy balance. By acknowledging when professional help is needed, you not only take proactive steps toward your mental health but also set a positive example for your children about the importance of seeking support and prioritizing self-care. This approach fosters a more balanced and resilient mindset, ultimately enhancing the quality of life for both parents and their families.

Work with me personally! Click for more information on my coaching sessions. Please click here if you’d like to reach out to me for general inquiries, media appearances, and/or speaking engagements.

To you and your family living a more healthy, productive, and fulfilling life!

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Sources:

The impact of parental burnout

Free Resume Online Builder

A Self-Care Mindset During Stressful Times

Self-Care With a Side of Guilt

3 Techniques for Identifying and Communicating Self-Care Needs

Dangers of Untreated Mental Illness

What is Nature-Deficit Disorder?

Nature-deficit disorder (NDD) is the concept that people (particularly children) are not getting enough quality time in nature due to the rapid development of electronic entertainment. It’s not difficult to see how the term could be viewed as legitimate, as we have seen evidence of NDD unfolding more and more each day since Richard Louv coined the term in 2005.

Nonetheless, it’s reversible. By prioritizing outdoor activities in your family’s normal routine, you can turn the table on NDD and guide your child (and yourself) to the many benefits that come from spending time amid the natural world. Here are some tips and resources to get you started.

Learn About NDD

Here is all that you need to know about this dangerous threat to our children, according to the BBC — not to mention some tips for how to limit your child’s screen time and 10 reasons why your kids need to spend more time outdoors — and maybe you do, too!

Invest in Your Child’s Outdoor Physical Activity

From enrolling your child in a sport to taking your kids mountain biking or building a basketball court in your backyard, there are many ways you can help invest in your children’s future physical health.
● Permit kids to get dirty, and then provide some suggestions for how they can explore the outdoor space. Simple tools like a hand trowel and sidewalk chalk can get them started.
● Ensure your backyard space is safe for exploring little ones by cleaning up any
chemicals, removing sharp objects, and taking care of dying or problematic trees. Then, search online for ‘best fence companies near you’ to protect your yard from uninvited guests.
● Teach your child some of the games you played when you were young (and screen-free), like Freeze Tag, HORSE, and Three Flies Up. Then, sit back and watch them enjoy summer.
● Encourage your child to try out a variety of sports, especially if they’re not naturally drawn to one. Practice as a family, too, and see what most catches their attention. Then, encourage your child towards that activity.
● Create ways to have family fun outdoors, like building a fire pit you can enjoy together in the evenings. There’s nothing better than bonding together over fire-roasted hot dogs and s’mores.

Plan Family Trips

Maybe a family trip is just what you need to get everyone on the right track! Perhaps you want to try a wilderness vacation for your wild bunch. For museum fans, put yourself in the middle of history by visiting a living history museum, or explore garden- and life-based open-air museums around the country. Last but not least, maybe your kids would love a trip to the zoo. If so, prepping them for the adventure will be even easier, thanks to these tips from Rocks for Kids.

You don’t have to let your child live without the benefits of spending quality time in nature. Learn what you can about NDD, be sure to invest in healthy activities your child can do, and think of fun family trips that will allow you to enjoy and explore the great outdoors. In no time, your child might even prefer being outside over staring at a screen!

Article and Resources Contribution by Jason Kenner

Work with me personally! Click for more information on my coaching sessions. Please click here if you’d like to reach out to me for general inquiries, media appearances, and/or speaking engagements.

To you and your family living a more healthy, productive, and fulfilling life!

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Sources:

Nature Deficit Disorder Has Real Consequences

OSF Healthcare

10 Reasons Why Kids Need to Spend Time Outdoors

Active For Life

30 Classic Outdoor Games For Kids And How to Play Them

Here’s How to Help Your Child Find Their Perfect Sport

10 Best Wilderness Family Vacations

The Best Living History Museums in the US

The 10 Best Open-Air Museums In The World, Ranked

Zoo for Kids [What Your Child Will Learn and How to Prepare?]


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5 Wellness Tips for the Whole Family

Fitness tracking devices, Peloton bikes, and monthly gym memberships can all help families lead healthier and more active lives, but there are other, more affordable ways to adopt a healthy lifestyle. With wellness tips from shopping seasonally to purchasing top-rated products, households can achieve their wellness goals on just about any budget — and save money on things like healthcare costs, meals, and life insurance premiums.

To name a few of the ways in which healthy living can help families save money over time, households could spend less on trips to the doctor, food delivery or takeout, and expensive life insurance rates. In fact, one study showed that the annual medical costs for US adults with obesity were about $2,505 higher than for non-obese adults. Being overweight or obese could also mean paying higher life insurance premiums.

Below, Douglas Haddad explains how families can lead healthier lifestyles without spending a fortune on gym memberships, organic food, and home exercise equipment. Healthy living can certainly save families money over time, but they don’t have to invest much upfront to reap the benefits of eating well and staying physically fit.

1. Enjoy Physical Outdoor Activities

If your family is looking for ways to incorporate more physical activity and fresh air into each day, there are lots of different outdoor activities to enjoy on a budget. As a few examples, you could take daily walks in nature, locate splash pads in your area, go bike riding or roller skating, or challenge your kids to basketball games like HORSE or Around the World. Gardening also counts as exercise, and you could save money and eat healthier meals by growing your own food at home.

2. Shop Seasonally and Eat Less Meat

In addition to enjoying physical outdoor activities, shopping seasonally and eating more meatless meals can save you money while helping you to adopt a healthier lifestyle. Encourage your family to eat more asparagus, lettuce, and peas in the spring; grapes, peaches, and tomatoes in late summer; and warming vegetables like collard greens, rutabagas, and parsley in
the winter.

Along with eating seasonally, you’ll save money and reduce your risk of cancer, diabetes, and heart disease by consuming less meat each week. You don’t necessarily have to become a full-time vegan or vegetarian, but going meatless just once or twice weekly could dramatically improve your family’s health.

3. Purchase Top-Rated Products for Your Home and Lifestyle

Quality products sometimes cost more upfront, but they can save your family money over time if you’re selective about the products you purchase. So before purchasing new products to support your family’s wellness goals — whether it’s a gadget for the kitchen or a piece of workout equipment — visit product review websites to research the items in question.

For example, maybe you and your partner want to buy a recumbent bike. By doing your homework before making a purchase, you’ll ensure you’re buying the highest quality products to help your family lead healthier lives. High-quality products tend to last longer than poorer quality items, saving your household money, time, and energy.

4. Consider Pursuing a Career in Wellness

As you learn about health and take steps to lead a more well-balanced life, you may develop a passion for wellness — and this passion could be used to earn some money on the side or start your own business. Look for some ways to turn your new passion for wellness into profit,
whether it’s launching an affiliate marketing blog, opening a yoga studio in your community, becoming a health coach, or selling workout clothing and sports gear online.

5. Easily Collect Payments from Clients

When monetizing your passion for wellness, it’s important to stay on top of your client invoices to ensure you’ll get paid quickly and accurately each time. Try using this free online invoice maker template so you can easily create customized invoices that clearly display your brand name, logo, and contact details.

Customized invoices can be printed out and mailed to your clients or downloaded and shared via email, making it easy to bill your clients, get paid in less time, and earn the money you need to support your household’s healthy lifestyle.

Healthy Living is Possible on Any Budget

Leading a healthy lifestyle may seem impossible when you’re on a tight budget, but it’s actually easier than you’d think to eat well and stay physically active. From monetizing your passion for health and fitness to purchasing top-rated wellness products that’ll last for years, these simple strategies can help to promote good health while saving your family time and money in the long run. Nearly any household can adopt healthy habits, and doing so doesn’t have to cost a fortune.

– Article and Resources Contribution by Jason Kenner 

Work with Douglas personally! Are you looking to gain more clarity, balance, peace, joy, and happiness in your life, all while effectively and efficiently handling your current day-to-day state of affairs? Click for more information on his coaching sessions. Please click here if you’d like to reach out to me for general inquiries, media appearances, and/or speaking engagements.

To healthy living on a tight budget!

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