5 Healthy Habits Every Preschooler Can Learn

Preschoolers are naturally curious and eager to follow routines. These early years are the ideal time to teach habits that support lifelong physical, emotional, and social well-being. Help your child thrive by making healthy habits feel fun and meaningful. 

Here are five healthy habits every preschooler can learn:

1. Wash Hands The Right Way

Preschoolers can learn to wash their hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Encourage washing before meals, after using the bathroom, or after outdoor play. Turn it into a game by singing a song or using a timer.

✨ Tip: Pretend play makes it fun. Let your child “teach” their stuffed animal how to scrub their paws clean! Lumie's Lesson: Imitate

2. Brush Teeth Twice A Day

Brushing in the morning and before bed helps keep your child’s smile healthy. For preschoolers, use a soft-bristled brush and a pea-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste. Gently brush in circles at a 45-degree angle on all sides of the teeth. Once your child is ready, teach them to spit out the toothpaste. They do not need to rinse. Make it part of a calm bedtime routine for consistency.

✨ Tip: Sing along to their favorite song while they brush to make it fun and engaging.  Lumie's Lesson: Distract

3. Get Good Sleep

Preschoolers need 10-13 hours of sleep in a 24-hour period, including daytime naps. A consistent bedtime routine, such as brushing teeth and reading books, helps their bodies and brains relax. A good night’s sleep supports proper growth and development, mood regulation, and learning.

✨ Tip: Help your child wind down in the evening by avoiding screen time 1 hour before bed. Check out our Tips To Limit Screen Time For Preschoolers blog for more information. 

4. Read Every Day

Reading together builds language skills and imagination. Even just 10-15 minutes a day boosts vocabulary and listening skills. Let your child help pick the book to build independence and excitement. Interactively engaging together with a book also helps to build emotional connection.

✨ Tip: Personalized books can make storytime extra engaging and memorable.

5. Talk About Feelings

Healthy emotional habits begin early. Help your child name their feelings and talk about what helps them feel better. Validating their emotions shows that their feelings matter. When children feel heard, they are more likely to feel safe and understood.

✨  Tip: Help them feel seen. “I can see you look upset. Can you tell me more about how you are feeling?”   Lumie's Lesson: Validate

Final Thoughts

By starting small and staying consistent, you are building a strong foundation of lifelong healthy habits that support your preschooler’s physical, emotional and social well-being.

Teaching children healthy habits, one blog at a time!