Hand washing is one of the simplest yet most effective ways to prevent the spread of germs and illnesses.

It’s important to teach children proper hand washing techniques from an early age to instill good habits that will keep them healthy throughout their lives.

When to Wash Hands

Children should wash their hands:.

Before eating or handling food
After using the bathroom or changing a diaper
After blowing their nose, coughing, or sneezing
After playing with pets or being around animals
After playing outside or touching anything dirty
Whenever their hands are visibly dirty

How to Wash Hands

Teach your child the following steps for proper hand washing:.

Wet hands with clean, running water.
Apply soap and lather well, making sure to cover all surfaces of the hands (including the backs, between fingers, and under nails).
Scrub hands for at least 20 seconds (about the length of singing “Happy Birthday” twice).
Rinse hands well under clean, running water.
Dry hands with a clean towel or air dry.

Remind your child to avoid touching their face, mouth, or eyes after washing their hands to avoid reintroducing germs.

Make Hand Washing Fun

If your child is reluctant to wash their hands, try making it a fun activity:.

Use soap with their favorite scent or character on the label
Sing a silly hand washing song together
Make it a game and see who can wash their hands the longest
Consider using a sticker chart or reward system to encourage good hand washing habits
Show your child how germs spread using glitter and a hand washing demonstration

Hand Sanitizer Use

Hand sanitizer can be a convenient option when soap and water aren’t available, but it’s important to teach your child to use it properly.

Hand sanitizer should only be used on visibly clean hands and should be applied and rubbed in thoroughly until completely dry.

Model Good Hand Hygiene

Children learn by example, so it’s important to model good hand hygiene habits yourself. Make sure to wash your hands regularly and encourage other family members to do the same.

Summary: Teaching hand hygiene

Teaching your child proper hand hygiene practices is essential for preventing the spread of illness. It’s important to teach your child when to wash their hands, how to wash their hands, and how to properly use hand sanitizer.

Make hand washing fun and model good hygiene habits to instill good practices from an early age.