The winter months call for an extra level of hand washing, with cold and flu germs making their way into schools and public places. However, it’s important to teach kids why they should wash their hands year round and why it’s also helpful to others if they do.
But, we realize that getting kids to commit to the habit of handwashing isn’t easy, so here are a few tried-and-true tips that you can try.
Time it Out
Studies show that you should wash your hands for at least 20 seconds to get the germs off of your hands, but kids typically wash for less than 5 seconds on average. As a way to help them wash longer, encourage them to:
- Sing happy birthday twice while they wash
- Use an hourglass
- Count to 10 slowly or 20 at a normal pace
Add it to Potty Training
Even when children are very young and still figuring out the basics of potty training, make hand washing a routine. Always remind them to cover, flush and wash each time. The mantra will stick in their minds and help them remember.
Also, for the little ones, make sure a step stool is nearby so they can reach the sink on their own.
Make it a Surprise
Surprise your kids with fun smelling soap or soap bottles/bars that are in unique shapes. There are even bottles of soap that light up, so kids can have a mini-disco every time they wash their hands.
And, the best part is, you can keep the bottle and just refill with less expensive soap when the time comes.
Turn it Into a Song
If your kids aren’t thrilled with singing Happy Birthday over and over each day, encourage them to make a song of their own! A few kid favorites are:
Front and back
Front and back
In between
In between
Rub them both together
Rub them both together
Now they’re clean
Now they’re clean
Or
Twinkle, twinkle little star
Look how clean my two hands are
Soap and water, wash and scrub
Get those germs off rub-a-dub
Twinkle, twinkle little star
Look how clean my two hands are
Lead by Example
Finally, and the best tactic of all, is to lead by example. Make sure your kids see you washing your hands often so they see that it’s just an important for you too.
When kids understand the importance of washing their hands, and what exactly germs can do, it will help teach them just how valuable handwashing is.