Five Hygiene Habits for Kids !!
By Madhurie Singh, September 16, 2009
- Hand Wash
Believe it or not, about 80% infections are spread only by hands ! So does that mean, if we all wash our hands regularly, we can avoid those 80% of infections? Well, logically yes. But we all know it’s impossible. Reason being the several other modes of transmission of any infection. Since infection by and large is by virus or bacterias and to some extent fungi, they can be washed off by a good soap and water. Kids, if left alone, like mine, they take a drop of liquid soap and even without completely scrubbing the palms, run their hands under the water and scoot off with incomplete washing. I know, it’s not always possible, whenever they are back from outside the house, I make sure I wash their hands myself. Then dry their hands thoroughly with a clean towel.
A hand that is not dried completely, will catch more germs as compared to a dry hand ! 🙂
- Regular Warm Bath
Bathing is an obvious process to keep the kids clean. But, when to give bath is something we moms do not think about much. Fortunately for me, I just cannot get up early enough. 😛 So I give bath to my kids once they are back from their schools. That way it’s assured that they do not spread dirt and germs collected in the school and in the bus. Then in the evening again they need a bath must after they play in the mud in their football class.
One important thing that we moms need to ensure is a thorough cleaning of the private organs of the kids as they will not clean themselves. For my boys, my hubby takes care of it as often as possible though still not on a daily basis. But for girls, the moms should make it a habit to clean with mild soap regulary. Girls need special care as compared to the boys, mainly because the route to infection is shorter in girls. Also if avoiding public bathrooms is not possible at times, moms need to ensure that they wash up their daughters as soon as possible once back home.
I am not a fan of bath tub at all! Especially after I read a report on the fungal infection that can be caused by the fungi growing in the inside of the pipes of the bath tub. Also the huge amount of water that is wasted is not something I can teach my kids when I am trying hard to make them learn the concept of conservation of water and energy.
- Brush Teeth Twice
Teeth are most vulnerable in kids under 12yrs. A regular two times brushing of teeth ensures lower dental problems. But I personally think the kids have to be taught the right way to brush and not just use the brush any ways. My kids if left alone will just brush the front teeth. So I still have to brush their teeth, in up and down motion to bring out the food lying in between the teeth. Cleaning tongue is also something that ensures fresh breath which kids will forget if left on their own.
Sweet tasting toothpastes and GELs are harmful for kids as they stick on the teeth and can cause cavity! I prefer only colgate but my kids like gels. 🙁 So it’s a daily arguments we have that they will hopefully understand in a few years.
I wish some company would come up with a toothbrush which has a disposable neem chewable head. Now the neem is bitter so that needs an innovative product handling. 🙂
- Use of Tissue Paper / Handkerchief
I am a very very big fan of tissue papers. And I guess my kids have taken after me in this respect. They have to be told not to use so many tissues all the time. I still remember when my elder son was 2.5 year old, he was getting his toilet training. He was not in his diaper. I found him trying to keep back all the tissues that he had taken out of the tissue box. That’s when I saw the tissues were wet and the pile of tissue was used to wipe off the wet floor. Then on being questioned, he explained to me that he was trying to wipe away the susu with the tissues. And went a step ahead by keeping them back into the box. 😀
I think, until kids are teenagers, they should use tissues for wiping their nose, mouth and hands. This prevents spread of infection as compared to the cloth handkerchiefs. Maids and aayaas should be encouraged to use tissue paper when cleaning the kids in schools and at home.
When my kids were in KiderBrook, I had suggested the parents to send a tissue toilet rolls each month, which the maids can use instead of the dirty piece of cloth that they get hold of. Tissue ensures, it is thrown off immediately as compared to the cloth napkins.
This is off the context with respect to the kids, but I think I must mention it.
A few weeks back when swine flu was at its highest TRP, I had gone to Spencers to buy a bag of dosa paste. The old man who grinds and makes packets of the paste was blowing his nose right next to the grinder! I waited to see what will he do next. He then took a very soiled handkerchief and wiped away the traces of mucous off his face and kept the cloth right next to the grinder. All set to serve me. ! I asked him, if he was going to wash his hands or not. He rudely pointed to the cloth and mentioned that he cleaned using his handkerchief! I had to get the manager to make him wash his hands. Now if this is the situation in the times of high profile swine flu, I wonder the cleanliness of the stores , restaurants behind the closed doors.
The tongue of a few kids are very very map like. This only means the kid has a very sensitive tongue. In times of any mild change in the health of the kid, the pattern of the map will change on the tongue 🙂 . Also such kids will have extra sensitive taste buds. So mild chilli and salt will make the child howl away very loudly. 🙂
- Regular Cleaning of Throat, Ears,Nose, Hair and Nails.
Cleaning of throat is not advisable for young kids at all ! It might damage their vocal cords. But one interesting fact I must share with all you readers is the connection between the epiglottis and hunger of your child. Epiglottis is a tiny bell drop shaped organ hanging from the top of the throat. In case your child is not eating or has very small appetite, this epiglottis will be sticking to either side of the throat tonsil area. If its in the normal middle position, then your kid will be eating fine 🙂 ! I was quite fascinated when I was told about this by a friend’s doctor mom. Now how to rectify the sticking epiglottis and revive your kid’s appetite is also equally unbelievable. But even though I have not found the scientific corroboration to it, the treatment works always! So what is the way to get the epiglottis back to the central position? A sudden loud shout in the ears of the kid. Now make sure you don’t tear away the drum. I think the idea is to surprise the child! I wish I had a scientific article to support this very useful trick for us moms!:)
Also in view of the flu and air borne infections the best way to remain germ free is a regular warm water gargle every night. I make it a habit to check for any redness in the throat while brushing my kids teeth, so that I am sure they do not go to the school in that state.
Ears need to be cleaned every fortnight. Use the ear buds only and that too Johnson & Johnson brand and never go deeper than the cotton tip. See, the length of the tip is researched by the J&J brand managers to ensure we do not harm the ear drum! The local brands just copy but are you sure they know that that length of the cotton tip is just enough for the depth of the ear hole!
Kid’s nose should also be cleaned by us parents every day, so that they are not picked at in public. It’s a very addictive habit 😀 so better to avoid giving your kid any reason to pick it. Also nose being the second most important route for the germs and dirt to enter the kid’s body, it’s better to keep the nostrils clean in order to avoid constant touching.
In case of running nose, for very small kids there are suction pumps available which is a must in all family. I do not mind using is even now on my 6 yr old son as it’s the easiest way to remove mucous from the already stuffy and miserable kid’s nose. 🙁 Just make sure, it’s cleaned after each use with warm water or running water.
Blowing of nose is good idea if the kid can do it, but they should learn not to put too much pressure on the ear drums.
Hair and head come in a single global surface area 🙂 so, taking care of our kid’s globe with the hair is also amongst hygiene habits that can not be avoided.
Young kid’s do not suffer from dandruff, if that’s any relief, but we moms have to deal with a much more deadly situation. Having lice in your kid’s head is like losing your own head. I lost mine a few months back. I found the culprit too who had passed on the damn pest onto my kid’s head. That was my maid, who would be secretly using my comb!!!!
I must confess, I was scared. When I was in Kolkata, I remember my mom shouting and hitting my head simultaneously when we (my sis too) cried, after she applied kerosene oil on our head to kill the bugs!!! I am now thinking how lucky I am to survive with gorgeous hair still flowing down and not meeting their end even with an inflammable stuff on my head. May be that is the reason of my sudden flammable side :). Better not tell my in-laws about it, though I know my mil too did the same with my sils.
Thanks to the Mediker shampoo, all the bugs can be washed of in 10 min only. Then comes the test of the eye sight to get rid of the nits. Another way could be to apply the shampoo every week and the hair is clean 100%.
Shampooing the hair with Johnson and Johnson will ensure clean and healthy smelling hair. Though I must tell you, I have to break my promise every time I use shampoo on my kids head. Then they want to know why I did not tell them the truth that I will shampoo their hair. Hope, when they grow up they will cherish these talks.
Nails are also cleaned and cut every week just after the ears are cleaned. I make it a point to file their nails in only one direction to smoothen the rough edges without damaging the nail surface. That ensures a clean and tidy kid for healthy living.
Great advice!,thanks for sharing,check out home remedies @ https://www.livealittlelonger.com/home-remedies-for-toenail-fungus/
Any tongue cleaner available in market for little ones? I am struggling to clean my 3 yr old son's tongue.
There are soft plastic ones that have blunt edges.
Hi madhurie, I am going to WISDOMWORLD school this saturday,also to blueridge school/for standard 4. Although i think that for new schools you can not judge about quality of teaching. I am afraid that it shouldn't be a one woman show for wisdom world! Better you watch for one year for the school to start smoothly,
Dear Prerna did you visit blueridge school ? what are the key points of blue ridge. taken admission in blueridge for 1st standard, but still undecided what to do !! plz mention your likes/dislikes of blue ridge. regards
Hi Madhuri, This was a very good article on Hygiene habits, let me share some info on the maps occurring on kid's tongue, medically it is called as "geographical tongue" My elder daughter has it , I visited many Drs to get a solution to it (Sadly many Drs simply said that it will go off automatically and nothing to worry ....... but I wan't satisfied with that answer) and the final solution to this is (thanks to our old Pedeac from Bombay) - It is a symptom of B-Complex/ Vitamin deficiency, so he prescribed ZEST a multivitamin syrup for daily use and it worked wonders ! No more maps on tongue !! ( sometimes geographical tongue is accompanied by side cuts of lips as well)
Thanks Aarti, that was so informative. Ok may be that is why his divided map like tongue is sorted out to global one ;).
hi Madhurie, i had called you sometime back.please do let me know if you start "THENGA CAMP" from 3rd april as i m interested for my daughter.Just email me at"[email protected] will come and register her name at the camp. Thanks a lot, Neha.
Hi Neha, the fee for summer camp is Rs 2000/- for 15 days, with movies, drinks, popcorns, dance, singing and tattoo.
Hi madhurie, please can u give me the names of best icse and cbse schools near pashan,aundh, baner,wakad areas.As we want to shift near hinjewadi IT park.And please can u suggest me that which board i should choose for my daughter.I m too much confused with icse and cbse board.dont know which one is easy and will also be good for her future? Thanks in advance.I must say that u r doing a great job by helping so many parents to make their childrens admissions,"HATS OFF TO YOU". regards, Mrs Neha Joshi.
Hi, I am looking for a good play school near Uday Baug/SOpan Baug. Can you please suggest some good preschools near this area. The fees should be moderate (approx 30K). Thanks
I am looking for a good play school near Uday Baug/SOpan Baug. Can you please suggest some good preschools near this area. The fees should be moderate (approx 30K). Thanks
I know of Kangaroo Kids, Primrose in KoreGaon Park, the once in SOpan Baug or closer not sure yet. There is one Vatsalya School that has started on BT Kawade Rd.
hi madmahw, can you please tell me about your st mary admission? i am intersted in st mary std 4 admission why you preffered blueridge over wisdomworld? please reply
hi madmahw, why you said that blueridge is better than wisdomworld.please can you explain? i am looking for good icse or cbse school std 4 near kothrud area which is very tough, so i was thinking of moving near wakad or hinjewadi for schools.
Blueridge is better than wisdom world for following reasons: 1. Blueridge will be managed by Pumpkin Patch directors and pumpkin patch is a very good school. The director is ex-Infosys high profile guy. 2. The school is ready with Primary section and classes are spacious. 3. They are having big play ground and very large campus. 4. The school will be managed by Paranjapes, they are having exp. of running schools. They are running schools in Kothrud and in Mumbai. 5. The fees is also moderate in comparison to Wisdom world and the principal gave an assurance that fees won't be increased for next two years. Wisdom world school's building is still under construction and they are not having spacious play ground. They are just backing on St Mary's ex-principal.
Dear madmahw there is small correction in your reasons...WWS has in-capus football ground, basket ball ground, amphitheater...etc...based on the information from Mrs currimbhoy and website. I visited Blue ridge one month back....few are my observations... 1) Managed by parnjape and they have experience in running schools and collages. They just have tie up with pumpkin patch for creche facility(day care after school hours for office going parents) and day to day activity of the school there is no connection with pumpkin patch. So as per my understanding there is small disconnect in madmahw's thinking. 2) thier plan is very ambitious...huge campus....in long run may be it is good...but at this present moment it may pop up as problem as during the studies construction work will continue and based on my understanding atlest the way the are projecting to finish the consturction of complete campus they need 3 to 4 years. 3) Very good play ground area 4) fees at par with other 30000Rs. first installement 15000 Rs. second installement...in this Rs. 10000 is refundable... 5) Bus service 14000Rs. per year 6) Very far inside hinjewadi area...trafic is big problem during the school time(between 8 to 10 a.m.) as i work in hinjewadi i know what horrible trafic jam I face daily. 7) Demo class rooms for nursary was ready...rest classroom work was under progress...I liked the demo class room....on lighther side..i hope it should not be like builders show flat and when you really get it you will see major difference..!!!:)) 8) Head of primary and pre-primary is not known personality overall i like the school with all pros-cons...but as per my understanding Wisdom world school has uper hand due to near proximity to city, strong and proven track record principal, all other high end facility and banking on very good teachers which i expect should come from st. mary's only.
Hi madmahw, Thanx very much for your valuable information!!! ******* AND CONGRATS FOR YOUR CHILD GETTING INTO *****ST MARY**** *******
Hi Prerna, today I checked out three schools again for my own kids. AmanSetu, St Patrick's and Vikhe Patil, all at Lohegaon. I must say that Vikhe Patil floored me completely. I took admission forms too and may be that's where they go finally. If you r ready to relocate, check this school.
Hi Madhurie, You have mentioned that Vikhe Patil school is in Lohegaon. I am interested in knowing more about this school. Isnt this school in Senapati Bapat Road or do they have two branches? Can you provide us a review of this school? Secondly, there is a new school that is coming up in Mundhwa called "Orbis School". This school is still in construction phase and would be starting their first batch on 7th June. They seem to have some big plans but as you know, it is difficult to believe in a school just like that, unless we see or hear something about them. Is it possible for you to provide a review of this school as well?. Thanks, Smriti
Yes I have done reviewing of Orbis, Vikhe Patil Lohegaon, St Patrick and Aman Setu again. Will write abt them. I am just waiting for the final exams of my son in ST Mary's to be over. I will vote for VPMS to be precise as of now.
Hi Madhuri, In that case could you please divulge further details of Vikhe Patil School Lohegaon?
Dear Prerna, Wisdomworld is new school and will be a fresh choice for people in that area. Since Ms Simoes (rumor) is going to head the school, it should also mean a lot of good teachers from St Mary's will join her. That means a fresh St Mary's with a more international approach. If ur close to the place pls check the school and teachers. Also let me know.
Dear Madhuri, It is truth that Ms Simose has already joined the school. I met Mrs. Currimbhoy co-ordinator(also ex-st.mary's) of WWS and she explicitly told that Ms. simoes is guiding all the activities and undertaking all the final intervies with teachers. She is the driving force. I hear the rumor of joining Bishops head in WWS. But did not get his confirmation from Mrs. Currimbhoy. During google search i see, for lots of vacancies they are trying to call for resumes from different domain. I liked this professional approach about pasting your ads on national job portal, you can get much higher and better response and quality resume. So looks to me starting is good. Foundation is strong(Ms. Simoes). The best part is, it is not day school and timing are extremly perfect for kids. Along with they are not serving food which i prefer the most as i always doubt hygin and quality of outside food. School fees is 40000 Rs. and 10000Rs. refundale deposit. Fees making sense and at par with others. Initially we need to pay around 25000 rest in two installments. Admission through online forms, then personal discussion with Mrs Currimbhoy and if required they shall ask for interview/test. Only small confusion is buidling is under construction, they are telling that it will be ready by May end. So not able to imagine the classrooms inteior, washrooms hygiene etc.... Finally, on the name of Ms. Simoes, proximity with home and die hard fan of ICSE board(myself and my wife both belongs to ICSE board),I am planning my kids admission in WWS in HKG by removing from current school. Please advice on my logic to join WWS.
Hi SID DEEWAN, VERY GOOD REVIEW*** I am thinking of standard 4 admission in wWISDOMWORLD SCHOOL. In which stsndard are you taking admission for? in WWS. Apart from st mary's ex principal, i think this school i am choossing is for viswakarma institutes.It is a big institute and they will manage it with good faculty. I wish so*****
HI MADHURIE I AM NOT ABLE TO LOGIN IN YOUR SCHOOL REVIEWS SECTION. I HAVE APPLIED FOR DPS FOR STD 4,MY SON HAS GIVEN A ENTRANCE TEST ON 19 MARCH MORNING 8AM TO 11.45PM THE ORAL FOR EVS ENGLISH MATHS ALSO FOLLWED AFTER WRITTEN TEST ON SUNDAY MET PRINCIPAL, SHE JUST ASKED TWO QUES (ONE MILITARY KIND OF MAN WAS SITTING NEXT TO HER) RESULTS WILL BE ON 23 MARCH, SCHOOL ANY OTHER SCHOOL YOU WILL RECOMMEND IF HE DOES NOT GETS HERE? ANY VACANCIES IN ST MARY? ALSO WHAT ABOUT WISDOMWORLD SCHOOL HEADED BY THE SAME PRICIPAL?
U shud be first logged in to the site, then u click the links where ever you have to reach. I am aware of the whole process of DPS. Well wait till 23rd, then mail me. St Mary's the last I heard did not have any vacancies in 4th. Wisdomworld, is headed by Ms Simoes, but I have not visited the school yet. But its very far. I donot know where u live.
HI MADHURIE, MY SON IS NOT SELECTED IN DPS BECAUSE HE DIDNT SPEAK MUCH INFRONT OF PRINCIPAL AND ONE ARMY KIND OF A MAN. THEY JUST ASKED HIM ABOUT THAT THREE MONKEYS BURA MUT BOLO SUNO DEKHO. THEY ASKED HIM TO SPEAK ABOUT HIS MOTHER.
Can you please update on Wisdom world school.
Dear Madhurie, I stay in Thane,Mumbai.My husband is staying in kothrud temporily.But we are ready to shift anywhere in pune for sake of good school,please can you suggest any good icse or cbse school.My son is in ICSE board std 3 now.
CBSE : DPS, Vikhe Patil, Gurukul express , St Arnold's, Indira Kids, ICSE: Vidya Valley, St Marys, Pawar Public goto school review page and check each article with all comments.
Thanx for the list of the schools. Anyway I want to share my experience of vidya valley, last week we went to visit the school which is 1 or 1.5 km from sus gaon.(HILL AREA) we met the administration staff, she told that the forms will be avaliable from 20 march,entrance will be in mid april.The school building was ok,not good for kindergarden children more like outhouse kind of thing/for senior children it was ok. She stopped us from going into the actual school building saying that some parents -teacher meeting was going on. this was good good opportunity i thought to meet the parents,i waited for parents to come out.then the story of dissatisfaction started,they were parents of std 7,8,9 whose children were either failed in 5 subjects or poor performers.they were told to change the board to NIOS which will exempt the kids from Maths English. parents were quite angry,were telling that school gives preference to dramas,sports only.I HEARD THAT SOME PARENTS OF EIGHTH STD WITHDREW THEIR KIDS FROM THE SCHOOL.Ofcourse this may be the other side of the coin.THERE MAY BE GOOD PERFORMERS FAVOURITES OF NALINI SENGUPTA-PRINCIPAL---I HOPE SO FEES 60 TO 70 K INCLUDES BREAKFAST AND LUNCH. WE ALSO QUIT FROM THE SHOW
SORRY, THE SUBJECTS ALLOWED TO EXEMPT WERE MATHS AND SCIENCE SO THAT CHILDREN CAN PASS EASILY IN 10 STD AND GO TO ARTS OR COMMERCE STREAM.
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HI MADHURIE, MY SON IS RELUCTANT TO BRUSH HIS TEETH AT BEDTIME.PLEASE ADVISE
hehehe...well depends on his age. If he is just 3-4-5 yrs its ok and has to be YOUR duty. Earlier I used to read stories to them, b4 which they had to brush their teeth.
Excellent, basic things we are grounded as kids to do. But with shortage of time we ignore them. Its important for adults too.
Five Hygiene Habits for Kids !! http://bit.ly/8dMAli
A really good article, nicely broken up in to clearly marked sections makes it really easy to read and pick through the parts you're especially interested in. I found the 'Hand Wash' section especially useful. This online tutorial could accompany this topic area really well as it clearly highlights the importance of not only washing your hands properly but also drying them using paper towels so to reduce the spread of bacteria - http://bit.ly/6y63D
Goto the school review and read the board comparisons, later you can check all the blogs and will find the best schools.
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