Overview Basic body-care tasks such as brushing teeth, combing hair, eating healthy food and bathing are important skills for children to learn. Many are resistant to caring for their own bodies, however, because it takes away from playtime and other fun activities. To encourage your child to take care of her body, it's important to make body care fun and easy, in addition to explaining its importance, according to pediatrician Dr. William Sears. Learning about bodies Bodies are intensely fascinating to children, as any parent who's ever seen a child laugh at a body-related joke knows. Children who understand the way their bodies work are more likely to want to take care of their bodies, according to Sears. Use the proper terms for body parts and begin teaching your child about his body in an age-appropriate way as soon as he can talk. Toddlers, for example, can learn that germs make them sick. Preschoolers can understand that sugar makes it easier for germs to hurt their teeth. Older children can understand the ways in which diet affects health. Always answer your child's questions about his body honestly. If you don't know the answer, research it together. Making it fun Basic body care doesn't have to be a boring, monotonous task that takes children away from fun activities. Parents should make body care fun and interesting. Provide your child with a brightly colored toothbrush and try putting food coloring in water to encourage her to drink it. Children often master a task most quickly when they're rewarded for trying, the authors of the book "Child Psychology" write. Try instituting a star chart system. For every day that your child completes basic tasks such as brushing her teeth, drinking water and choosing healthy snacks, give her a gold star to place on her chart. When the chart is full, reward her with a special toy or outing. Health care Toddlers should begin learning about the importance of washing their hands and brushing their teeth as soon as they can talk. Children at this age love doing things for themselves, so encourage your child to brush his own teeth and wash his own hands with supervision. Preschoolers can help you pick snacks and foods. Give them choices of two or three healthy items. School-aged children can begin choosing their own foods. Reward them for healthy choices. Encourage children to move, run and play and help them understand the important role exercise plays in health. Basic hygiene Parents often struggle with getting their children to perform basic hygiene tasks such as showering and brushing their hair. A hallmark trait of childhood is the desire to be independent and to have control over one's own life, according to "Child Psychology." Harness this desire to encourage your child to complete basic hygiene tasks. Instead of pleading with her to wash her hair, offer her a choice: Either she can wash your hair or you will do it for her. Ask your child if there are particular supplies she would like to have around, such as a special soap, a brightly colored brush or a tear-free shampoo. This gives your child control over her own hygiene — and child-friendly supplies make it easier for children to complete basic grooming tasks.