Certain habits should be instilled in young children so that they can lead a healthier life. Young children also feel particularly important and gain more self-confidence if they learn to look after themselves from an early age.

 

As children learn mainly by copying adults, they should be taught the habits of a healthy lifestyle. They should watch their parents brushing their teeth, washing their hands, exercising and eating healthily. Children's books and television programmes in which the characters have similar habits also reinforce this.

 

These are the most important habits a toddler should learn:

 

Wash your hands. Regular hand washing prevents the spread of bacteria. A small child should learn to wash their hands after going to the toilet, before eating and after playing in the garden.

Washing hands can be fun if you give the children colourful soaps and their own little towels.

 

Cleaning the toilet. Children should learn to wipe their bottom, flush the toilet independently and wash their hands. Girls should wipe themselves from front to back so that no bacteria are transported from the anus to the vagina. Moist toilet tissues are best for children as they clean the bottom quickly and effectively.

 

Healthy nutrition. A healthy diet gives children a good start in life. Unhealthy eating in childhood will affect the child for the rest of its life. Children are allowed to eat sweets as long as they eat at least one piece of fresh fruit, one portion of vegetables, enough milk or dairy products and carbohydrates every day. Healthy food should be colourful and varied so that children don't lose their appetite for it. For example, vegetables can be arranged on the plate in the shape of a face. As a general rule, nothing sweet should be eaten before the main meals so that children do not lose their appetite.

 

Exercise. Sufficient exercise strengthens the immune system, makes children balanced and allows the body and brain to perform at their best. Regular walks in the playground, running around in the garden or park, cycling or gym activities keep children fit and reduce the risk of becoming overweight as adults. Children should also be provided with plenty of toys at home, such as balls, tricycles and hula hoops.

 

Brushing your teeth. We all know how important it is to take proper care of teeth from an early age in order to prevent tooth decay. Children should brush their teeth in the morning and evening, and they can start doing this themselves from a very early age. Brushing teeth should not be torture, but fun, preferably with children's toothpaste, a children's toothbrush and a toothbrush mug.

 

Embarrassing experimentation with the genitals. If your child examines the contents of their trousers in the middle of the supermarket, you shouldn't make a big deal out of it because you don't want them to be ashamed of their body or lose their self-confidence. Instead, distract the child from their activities. As they grow up, you can explain to them that you don't do things like this in public.

 

Get enough sleep. Sufficient sleep is particularly important for growing children. Children should learn to fall asleep on their own at an early age and keep regular bedtimes. If young children wake up in the night, they should be coaxed back to sleep as quickly as possible. To ensure that children can sleep through the night undisturbed, it makes sense to put a nappy on at night until the age of 4, until they are mature enough to comply or go to the toilet at night.

 

Safety. Children should learn to keep their distance from sharp objects such as knives, fires and hot stoves in order to avoid unnecessary accidents. Children should also learn from an early age never to run into the road without looking and to have respect for moving objects.

 

Sun protection. Even as a child, it should become a habit to apply sunscreen before spending long periods in the sun.

 

Water. Sufficient fluid intake improves concentration and bodily function. An occasional sweet drink does no harm, but water should be the main drink to quench thirst so that children get used to the taste at an early age.