Parenting Matters: Teaching health to a 2-year-old

Published 1:30 am Wednesday, October 31, 2018

No one likes to be sick. In fact, health is one kind of lesson we all believe we should learn about and know. But how to teach it, and when to teach, it is another matter.

So how can we make a difference in our health, or how can we help our children know how to make a difference in their health? It begins early and it is simple.

Teach your child about washing his hands. This is key. You need to talk about it, read about it, have fun with it, and be proud of it when he does it.

It begins with talking about washing your hands. Tell him about germs. Talk about the importance of using soap and of scrubbing your hands together.

Be sure to talk about how long he should scrub his hands with soap.

Also, be sure to talk about when he should wash his hands — these times should include before he eats, after he plays outside and after he pets the dog.

Consider getting him a book or two about washing his hands. There are many books available for children including “Germs Are Not for Sharing,” “Wash Your Hands,” “Wash, Wash, Wash” and “Cutie Sue Fights the Germs.” These can be fun to read and talk about. You don’t need to buy this many, but pick out ones you think he would enjoy based on his age.

Make the whole experience fun. Most learning takes place when it is fun and enjoyable. Don’t make this a big project; make it something he will want to do.

Consider singing a song while he washes to help him realize how long he needs to wash. A song like “Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star” or “Happy Birthday to You” or something like these that he knows and tell him to scrub until he finishes the song. That makes it fun and at the same time helps him do the washing correctly. Laugh about it and enjoy what is being learned.

Practice it together. Let him see you doing it and you watch to see if he has learned what you have taught him.

When you see him actually doing this on his own, make sure you let him know how proud you are of what he has learned and what he is doing. Tell your partner about what he has accomplished, or let grandma hear about it. When he hears you sharing his new skill with others, it makes him feel very proud.

This short time of teaching about health in a fun and enjoyable way is a good lesson for you as well. This is the way to teach him many things he will benefit from knowing — everything from health to math to his address. Practice this method and see how it works for you.

So start today to make learning fun. Begin with health but make sure you remember to make teaching fun wherever and whenever you can. You both win.

Cynthia Martin is the founder of the First Teacher program and former executive director of Parenting Matters Foundation, which publishes newsletters for parents, caregivers and grandparents. To reach current First Teacher Executive Director Nicole Brewer, email nicole@firstteacher.org or call 360-681-2250.