Adopting simple hygiene habits early on can go a long way in building lifelong self-care. While young girls may sometimes overlook these routines, your gentle guidance can help them feel confident and cared for every step of the way. Young girls may sometimes overlook hygiene habits but helping them understand the ‘why’ behind these practices can build lifelong self-care values. Sit down with your daughter and talk to her about things like –
Bathing Regularly And Keeping Face Clean
Sweating is a natural part of growing up, especially in warm weather or after physical activity. Teaching your daughter how to freshen up can help her feel more confident. Encourage her to wash her face often throughout the day as it can help reduce breakouts and boost her confidence.
Keeping Vaginal Area Clean
Help your daughter understand the importance of intimate hygiene by gently washing her vaginal area daily. After washing, however, she should always use a towel to dry-off to keep the area dry and comfortable, as excess moisture can sometimes lead to irritation. If she's noticing hair growth and has questions, gently guide her through options while reminding her that personal hygiene is about comfort and confidence, not pressure.
Also read: Time To Learn About Your Vagina And Caring For It
Washing Underarms Area Well
The underarms tend to sweat more, which can sometimes lead to body odor. A quick wash and freshening routine can help her feel more at ease throughout the day. Encourage your daughter to freshen up her underarms with a gentle wash. If needed, she can use a safe product to help her feel fresh and confident throughout the day.
Keep Nails And Hair Clean
Showering regularly with a mild shampoo is essential to get rid of all the dust and dirt that gets tangled in the hair. Trimmed nails are better, however, if she is interested in keeping long nails then encourage her to wash her hands regularly and make sure that her nails are clean. Help her understand how clean hands and nails help keep her healthy, especially before eating or after outdoor play.
Maintaining Hygiene During Periods
Young girls may not always know the best hygiene practices during their periods this is where your gentle guidance can help. Sit with your daughter and talk to her about how periods are a natural process and that it happens with every woman across the world. Show her this fun educational video about puberty to explain things to her in a way she would understand. Explain to her that by maintaining personal hygiene during periods she can avoid infection and remain healthy. You should teach her to –
- Wash her vaginal area regularly and wear clean period panties.
- Encourage her to change her pads often (every 3 – 4 hours).
- Teach her to wash her hands every time she changes her pad.
Also read: Skincare Tips For Your Growing Daughter
Ideally, you should also teach your daughter to take up habits that would promote public hygiene and cleanliness. Teach her the correct way to dispose of the pads and ensure that the toilet is clean after she is done for others to use.
If your daughter is anxious about leaks or stains then getting a pair of period panties or leak-proof panties would be a great idea as it would boost her self-confidence. You can also gift her a period starter pack which comes with a fun-educational book on puberty that also talks about and illustrates how to maintain personal hygiene. These early habits help her build lifelong self-care and body awareness with confidence.
The most important thing is to try to be her friend on this journey into womanhood. Show her that you understand what she is going through and don’t make fun of her questions, instead, tell her that her fears are justified but there are solutions and you will help her.
Also read: Talk To Your Daughter About Periods
Conclusion
Teaching your daughter about hygiene is a crucial part of her overall health and well-being. By instilling good hygiene habits from a young age, you can help her develop a lifelong commitment to staying clean and healthy.
Remember to emphasize the importance of washing hands, maintaining good menstrual hygiene practices, and practising good oral hygiene.
By teaching your daughter about hygiene, you are setting her up for a lifetime of good health and self-care.
Shop all Adira essentials including leakproof panties for an extra 10% off using code "GOODHYGIENE".