Teaching Children Self Care

I really don't want to say this, but it is true. Summer is almost over. In less than a month our kids will be back to school. We need to start preparing them. Most people buy new school clothes, shoes, back packs, and try a new look. This is the perfect time of year to get prepared and teach basic grooming to our children, grandchildren, nieces, and nephews.

A new year, new look, more responsibility, and a little summer gives kids an opportunity to practice. I'm asked all the time when is the best time for kids to try things, such as doing their own hair, wearing makeup, using curling and flat irons, and so on.

I'm going to offer the advice I've been giving for years: let your children do it themselves. You want them to go through their awkward stage with their friends, not in college!

When kids are in school, they should be able to shower themselves. By second grade, you need to have your children wash their own hair. I like to teach children to wash their hair with shampoo going from the top of the head to the bottom of the hair scrubbing the scalp and crossing their fingers especially on the back of scalp. The conditioner need to be applied from the bottom of the hair to the scalp. Think of the conditioner climbing the ladder: start at the bottom and work its way to the top of their scalp. Too many kids just dump the shampoo and conditioner on top of their head and struggle to get shine and manageability. Another thing, make sure they understand how it should feel after being rinsed. If after rinsing it's still super slippery or bubbly, they need to keep rinsing. Too much shampoo or conditioner not washed out will create grimy scalps and dingy hair.

By 5th grade they should be doing their hair with all the tools. Blow dryers, curling irons, flat irons, and so on. This year is when their bodies change a ton and their fine motor skills can actually handle the tools. Encourage them to style their hair every day. During the 5th, 6th, and 7th grade years, girls and boys should shower everyday and wash their hair every day. The hormones are changing their little bodies into adults. This will create grease spots at the top of their heads, no matter how well they wash. The hormones will start to change their skin, creating acne and so on. This is just when they need to shower and wash the most. Washing your hair every night can get hem used to using other styling tools and products.

Let them practice! At first they might spray the hairspray just to the top of their head. DO NOT redo it, unless they ask for your help. Let them learn with their friends. Help remind them with little lessons and love. Let them know you had to learn, too.

(This content is part of our Tami's Tips Collection)