Does your child pick his nose? Eat food off the floor? Forget to wipe his butt? We know eww!! But preschoolers are prone to icky behavior. Here are the common bad habits and how to nip them in the bud.

1. Nose-Picking – Although it’s disgusting to watch your child’s finger go from nose to mouth, earing boogers won’t make hims sick. But picking his nose might cause infections. Redirection is usually effective. Give him a toy or a book, anything to occupy his hands. Explain to preschooler that nose-picking spread germs. Also carry tissues and hand him one the instant he reaches for his nose.
2. Sloppy wiping – Once a preschooler can use the potty, you may be tempted to let her take care of his business.  But if she isn’t wiping well, she may emerge with awful mess on her hands. For girls, incomplete wiping can also cause bladder infections. A child undcer 4 may lack the motor skills to wipe properly, so double-check her work. Even at age 5 and 6, your child may need periodic wiping demonstrations.
3. Drinking bathwater- Soapy water is a bigger concern than tub grime. If he guzzles down enough bubbles, he can get diarrhea.If he’s slipping suds because he’s bored, divert him with bath toys, crayons, or paints. And if he’s 3 or older, point out the ring of gunk in the tub when he’s done bathing. This will dissuade most kids.
4. Nail biting and finger picking – Your child’s fingertips or cuticles can bleed and become infected. Biting dirty nails can also transmit germs. Most young children nail-bite when they’re bored, such as long car rides, for these occasions, distract him with music, a book or some crayons and paper.

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