These skills are essential for maintaining a clean, safe, and healthy living environment. They also help build confidence and independence.
Personal hygiene
Hygiene is an important factor in everyone’s physical and mental health. Some of the main things to think about include:
- bathing and showering – understanding the importance of regular bathing, how to use soap and shampoo, and maintaining cleanliness
- oral care – brushing teeth twice a day, flossing, and regular dental check-ups – see these three tips for healthy teeth
- hair care – washing, combing, and styling hair
- nail care – trimming nails and keeping them clean
Take a look at this personal hygiene checklist on the Health for Teens website for more advice about how to keep on top of your personal hygiene.
Healthy eating and food safety
Meal planning
Meal planning is a great way to ensure you eat a balanced diet, save time, and reduce food waste. By planning your meals in advance, you can make healthier food choices and avoid the temptation of unhealthy options.
Healthy eating
Take a look at these resources intended to provide information and advice about eating a healthy and balanced diet.
NHS – Eat well
This guide is a great place for young people to start learning about which foods are best for them and how to make healthy choices. It features advice on:
Health for Teens – nutrition and diet
A wide-range of guidance and videos including advice on making healthy choices and food and drink myth busting.
Food safety
Here are some key points to remember:
- Cleanliness: Always wash your hands before and after handling food. Clean your cooking surfaces and utensils regularly to avoid cross-contamination.
- Proper storage: Store food at the right temperature and keep raw meat, poultry, and seafood separate from other foods in your fridge.
- Cooking: Cook food to the right temperature to kill harmful bacteria – use a food thermometer to check if your food is cooked properly.
- Use-by dates: Pay attention to use-by dates on food packaging – eating food past its use-by date can increase the risk of food poisoning.
- Leftovers: Store leftovers in the fridge and eat them within a few days – reheat them thoroughly before eating.
The Food Standards Agency has provided a guide about food safety and hygiene for young people who may be living away from home for the first time.
Cleaning and household chores
Chores are important because they help keep our homes clean and safe. They also teach us responsibility and independence. Plus, doing chores can be a great way to spend time with family and learn new skills.
Getting started
Here are some simple steps to help you get started with household chores:
- Make a list: Write down the chores you need to do – this can include tasks like dusting, vacuuming, washing dishes, and laundry.
- Set a schedule: Decide when you will do each chore – you can do some chores daily, like making your bed, and others weekly, like cleaning the bathroom.
- Gather supplies: Make sure you have all the cleaning supplies you need, like a vacuum cleaner, dust cloths, and cleaning sprays.
Tips
Here are some tips to make chores easier and more fun:
- Start small: Begin with easy tasks, like picking up toys or wiping down surfaces.
- Use a timer: Set a timer for each chore – this can help you stay focused and make the task feel more manageable.
- Play music: Listen to your favourite songs while you clean – music can make chores more enjoyable.
- Ask for help: It’s okay to ask family members for help if you need it – working together can make chores quicker and more fun.