The Philippines’ warm and humid climate has historically made it a hotspot for a range of communicable health diseases, particularly infectious diarrhea and other similar stomach ailments. This has been exacerbated by the historically large family sizes and close living conditions experienced by many Filipinos. As a result, the Philippines has had relatively high incidences of infectious diseases for most of its history.
Due to their weaker immune systems, young children are particularly vulnerable to communicable illnesses. Unfortunately, the value of teaching proper hygiene and health habits to toddlers is often overlooked due to increasingly busy family schedules and a lack of ownership over building children’s health habits. While Filipino children have fairly good academic and social skills across the board, numerous gaps still exist in their understanding of basic health practices.
Parents and guardians have the responsibility to teach kids important health habits, even before they hit school age. Here are several health-related lessons that you should teach and practice with your toddler today:
1) Handwashing the Right Way
Teach your toddler how and when to wash their hands with soap and water. In particular, have them wash their hands before and after eating, after using the toilet, and after playing outside.
Make sure each session lasts at least 20 seconds, preferably more. Very young children may not yet have a concept of time, so you may need to use fun songs or counting games to make the habit stick. You can also use antibacterial soap for toddlers Philippines-based pediatricians recommend for more efficacy against common germs.
2) Covering Their Mouth and Nose When Sneezing or Coughing
These two actions not only halt the spread of colds and respiratory illnesses; they’re also good manners. Show your child how to use a tissue or their elbow to cover their mouth and nose when they sneeze or cough and have them wash their hands immediately after. Be sure to praise them when they do it on their own.
3) Brushing Teeth at Least Twice a Day
Do your best to make brushing a morning and bedtime routine. Children tend to have a more sensitive sense of taste than adults, so they may need special kid-friendly toothpaste to encourage them to brush their teeth on their own. Talk to your child’s dentist to learn the ideal way to maintain your child’s oral health.
4) Sanitary Toilet Habits
Given that intestinal illnesses remain a serious risk, it’s important to guide your child on how to use the toilet properly. Teach them how to use a bidet, wipe, flush, and especially wash their hands afterward.
Consistent reminders will build independence and hygiene awareness. Use positive reinforcement to encourage your toddler’s progress.
5) Drinking Enough Water
Encourage your toddler to drink water (not sugary drinks) throughout the day instead of just during mealtimes. Continually explain how water keeps them healthy and ready for more playtime. If necessary, give them a special child-safe cup to make the habit stick.
6) The Value of Regular Physical Activity
Many Filipinos are unable to meet the recommended levels of exercise due to a combination of values and professional circumstances. Still, you must encourage children to engage in outdoor play or age-appropriate exercises to keep them active and promote good health. Model the kind of behavior you want to see and talk about exercise in a positive light, even if you can’t always engage in it yourself.
7) Eating Vegetables
We all know that veggies are good for us. Unfortunately, many kids grow up hating veggies due to improper preparation that leaves many veggies bitter or mushy. To get your child to appreciate veggies, explore various online resources to learn different ways to make vegetables more appealing. When possible, involve kids in meal preparation to build positive excitement around their next meal.
8) Getting Enough Quality Sleep
Even before your child goes to school, you must set up a consistent bedtime routine that not only includes going to bed, but calming activities leading up to it as well. Avoid the excitement of screen time and emphasize calming activities like reading or soft music.
9) Avoiding Sharing Personal Items
Teach your toddler why we should not share certain items like used utensils, towels, or combs with others. Use these situations to teach them about germs and how they can make people sick. When possible, make sure they have their own set of personal items to make the habit doable.
10) Minimizing Screen Time
Guarantee your child’s mental well-being by not exposing them to excessive screen time. Multiple studies have emerged outlining many negative effects of consistent exposure to screen media on phones, computers, and televisions. These effects range from delayed language and emotional development to aggression and maladaptive behaviors.
Though eliminating screen time entirely might be unrealistic, keeping it down to 30 minutes or less a day will still help safeguard your child’s mental health.
Your Child’s Wellness Begins with You
As the ones who have the most influence over their children’s lives, parents and guardians must take the lead in developing a strong foundation for lifelong wellness. It won’t always be easy, especially with the hectic nature of today’s modern lifestyles. Still, doing the best you can to incorporate these lessons into your child’s routine will help them grow into healthier, happier, and more resilient individuals.
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