Wellness
Dr. Rick Singh, Board Certified in Family Medicine and trained in Emergency Medicine, completed his residency at ProMedica Flower Hospital in Ohio. Joining NextCare in 2014, he advanced through leadership roles before becoming Chief Medical Officer in February 2023.
Medically reviewed by Dr Rick Singh – Chief Medical Officer at NextCare.
As parents, we all want our kids to stay healthy, and we know just how important it is to instill healthy habits early on, particularly hand washing. But turning this simple act into a consistent routine can be more challenging than it seems. This struggle is familiar to countless parents; getting those little hands squeaky clean requires patience, creativity, and a touch of fun.
While simply telling our kids to wash their hands might not always stick, making it an engaging experience can make all the difference. Throughout this article, we’ll share practical tips, fun activities, and creative approaches to help transform teaching kids hand washing from a chore into a positive, healthy habit that prevents the spread of germs.
Despite your best efforts to encourage proper handwashing, kids can still catch colds or the flu. When that happens, NextCare Urgent Care’s pediatric services are here to provide immediate medical attention for non-life-threatening illnesses and injuries. With over 170 clinics across the nation, NextCare is committed to supporting your family’s health by offering specialized care when it matters most.
NextCare is one of the nation’s largest providers of urgent care and occupational medical services. With 170+ clinics in Arizona, Colorado, Kansas, Michigan, Missouri, Nebraska, New Mexico, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Texas, Virginia and Wyoming, we offer exceptional, affordable care to patients across the country.
The Importance of Handwashing for Kids
Children are naturally curious, always exploring the world around them, touching everything in sight, from toys and pets to dirt and surfaces covered in germs we can’t even see. Teaching kids hand washing from a young age helps protect them from getting sick.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) states that hand washing is one of the most effective ways to prevent the spread of germs and illnesses like colds, flu, and even more serious infections. It is important to teach kids to wash their hands properly to remove germs.
When to Wash Hands
It’s easy for kids (and let’s be honest, adults too) to forget when good hand washing is necessary. Make sure teaching kids hand washing includes focusing on these key times:
- ⊕ Before eating food.
- ⊕ After using the bathroom.
- ⊕ After blowing their nose, coughing, or sneezing.
- ⊕ Before touching their eyes, nose, or mouth.
- ⊕ After playing outside.
- ⊕ After touching pets or other animals.
You’ll find that sometimes, teaching kids hand washing means reminding them (and yourself) at the most crucial times. It might be during cold and flu season or after visiting a crowded playground. Being consistent about hand washing can’t be overstated – it can actually keep those pesky germs at bay. Regular hand washing is key to staying healthy.
4 Steps to Effective Handwashing
Teaching kids hand washing goes beyond a quick rinse. We want them to understand that it’s about getting rid of those invisible germs. But how do you make this process exciting for young minds? Making hand washing fun and engaging can help ensure those important steps aren’t overlooked.
Make it Fun with the 20-Second Rule
Let’s get real, kids don’t always have the best concept of time. Telling them to wash their hands for 20 seconds might be met with blank stares. That’s where a little creativity goes a long way – try incorporating fun songs, activities, or games into teaching kids hand washing.
For example, challenge them to sing “Happy Birthday” twice while scrubbing those hands—a simple yet effective method to ensure those 20 seconds are met. Remember, keeping things lighthearted can work wonders in those formative years.
Here’s a breakdown of those all-important 4 steps:
- Wet Hands: Turn on the tap and get those hands wet under clean, running water. And remember, warm or cold water works just as well—the key is using that H2O.
- Soap it Up: Use soap—bar soap or liquid soap is A-Okay. Make sure those hands get nice and soapy—we’re creating a bubbly germ-fighting machine. You can even try using antibacterial soap.
- Start Scrubbing: This is where the fun begins. Rub those soapy hands together—get those palms, the backs of your hands, between your fingers, and even under those nails. Make sure to rub hands together for at least 20 seconds to ensure hands are clean.
- Rinse & Dry: Rinse those suds away under clean, running water. Once those hands are rinsed, it’s time to grab a clean towel or paper towels for a good dry—pat, pat, pat. All done. Now you have clean hands.
Teaching Kids About Germs
Teaching kids about those invisible enemies might be challenging, but a few engaging ways can really bring those “germ monsters” into the light. It’s important for children to have an understanding of germs to help encourage them to wash their hands.
Glitter Germs Experiment
This experiment visually demonstrates the importance of hand washing:
- ⊕ You’ll need some glitter, lotion, soap, and water.
- ⊕ First, put some lotion on your child’s hands and sprinkle glitter (the germs) on top.
- ⊕ Have them press their hands together. Point out how easily the glitter (germs) transfers.
- ⊕ Then have them wash their hands normally (without soap). Do those germs come off completely? Not really.
- ⊕ Now for the grand finale—time for a thorough wash with soap and water—emphasizing how those suds really tackle the germs. This is a fun family activity to do with young children.
Alternatives to Traditional Handwashing: When and How to Use Sanitizers
Sometimes, you’re out and about, and soap and water aren’t available. That’s where hand sanitizer can be a great tool. However, it’s super important to remember that teaching kids hand washing also includes understanding that sanitizers aren’t a complete replacement for that classic hand washing routine. It’s about choosing the right option for every situation.
Choosing and Using Sanitizers Safely
When using hand sanitizer with kids, opt for those alcohol-based hand sanitizer formulas (at least 60% alcohol), which effectively kill most germs on the go. However, there are some downsides: hand sanitizers may not eliminate all types of germs, particularly those stubborn ones lurking on visibly dirty hands, and while a fantastic backup plan, when you can access soap and water, choose those options.
Make Handwashing a Family Affair
Remember, children learn best by observing the world around them. The more they see their loved ones embrace good hygiene, the more inclined they’ll be to adopt it themselves. Let’s be honest, we’re all in this germ-fighting adventure together, right?
Teaching kids hand washing can also involve creating a dedicated space for hand washing that’s accessible. Think about adding a colorful step stool in the bathroom to make those little hands reach the sink more easily. Another pro tip is using a visual timer that makes those 20 seconds fly by—even for us adults. Remember, when we prioritize our hygiene, we’re not only safeguarding our health but inspiring those around us to do the same—a win-win.
Conclusion
While teaching kids hand washing might seem daunting initially, trust me, with consistency, a pinch of fun, and a lot of love, this seemingly mundane task can become a routine part of your little ones’ lives, contributing significantly to their overall well-being. Alongside disinfecting wipes and other hygiene practices, proper hand washing plays a vital role in preventing the spread of germs and maintaining a healthier home environment.
In case your child develops any symptoms of illness, such as a cold or flu, despite following good hygiene practices, NextCare Urgent Care is always available to provide the medical attention they need, ensuring a quick recovery and peace of mind for you.
Disclaimer: Treatment options are tailored to the patient’s current condition and the examples are to be used as possible treatment options. The actual treatment will be determined after an assessment performed by a medical professional. Additionally, procedures are recommended only after a comprehensive evaluation and a thoughtful determination of the most appropriate treatment options.
FAQs: Teaching Kids Handwashing
Making handwashing fun can be as simple as using a handwashing timer. Try singing the “Happy Birthday” song twice or even create a fun handwashing song for each day of the week. You can also turn it into a game with silly dances or catchy tunes that last 20 seconds.
Kids are visual learners, so showing them a hands-on experiment like the Glitter Germ Demonstration can be very effective. The glitter represents germs, and by washing it off with water and then soap, kids can see firsthand how soap is crucial for getting rid of germs.
Visual reminders such as posters or charts near the sink can serve as gentle nudges for children to wash their hands. Additionally, making a game out of remembering when to wash hands can help them internalize the habit.
Positive reinforcement encourages children to continue good habits. Instead of focusing on the consequences of not washing hands, reward them for doing it right with extra playtime, a favorite toy, or even a simple high-five.
Kids learn by example, so it’s important to be diligent about your own hand hygiene. Wash your hands thoroughly before preparing food or after coughing or sneezing, and invite your child to join you to show them how it’s done.
Teach your child to use a clean cloth or paper towels to dry their hands thoroughly. Explain that drying their hands completely helps prevent the spread of germs and keeps their hands clean after washing.
If your child resists handwashing, try making it a fun activity rather than a chore. Use games, songs, or positive reinforcement to encourage them. Consistency and patience are key, and eventually, it will become a habit.
After playing outside or touching animals, kids are exposed to dirt and germs that can cause illness. Handwashing removes these germs and helps prevent the spread of germs that can make them or others sick.