Young children learn through their senses by touching, seeing, hearing, tasting and smelling. Unfortunately, germs cannot be seen or felt, therefore learning through play is an effective way to teach children about hand washing. We have by now all heard the best way to prevent catching the corona virus is by making sure to properly wash hands. But hand washing is not exactly the easiest task, especially for small children, and their parents. It has to be taught. It is more important now, because even though children do not seem to be getting hit hard by this virus, they are still major germ carriers. So teaching them to wash their hands helps not only them but everyone who comes in contact with them. A lot of us do not think about it, as it is second nature to many of us. Parents often forget it is a skill they need to teach. The most important thing is to start early with kids, when they are toddlers. One of the best ways parents and caregivers can teach these little ones good hand washing habits is to lead by example. A major part of teaching these amazingly wonderful and absolutely germ-filled little people how and why to wash their hands regularly is by making it fun. We should all be role models for them by demonstrating good personal hygiene habits, including proper hand washing. We should let them know this is a regular part of our lives: Look! Parents do it too!
It is important to make it a standard habit. They should be explained to always wash before eating, after using the bathroom and after playing with animals. It is not easy to get those little uncoordinated hands to scrub all those germs away. The best thing to use is warm water, which has been proven to kill germs more than cold. Soap up, and sing either “Happy Birthday” or “Row, Row, Row Your Boat” for 20 seconds, at least, while rubbing your hands together, covering every surface. You can even make a game out of it to see who can get the most soap bubbles on their hands and between their fingers. Using fun soap with characters on them, or even with soaps that change colour when used long enough, will help encourage kids. We want to teach them to wash all parts of their hands. I remember watching both my children put soap on their palms and rinse it off, then say “Done!” when they were small. Washing all parts of their hands means the fronts, the backs, between the fingers, their nails and even their wrists. Some of them are quite reluctant to hand wash, while others want to keep doing it. The other very important thing is to not make this seem like a chore. Have fun, sing along, talk to them about being “germ-busting superheroes” and explain that is how they can save the world. Sometimes, they are so small, it is actually uncomfortable to reach the sink and wash hands, so make sure they have a step stool so they can reach the water. Hand sanitizer also works, but washing hands with soap and water is above all else. Sanitizer can be used when soap and water are not available, but kids still have to get to all the hidden germy spots. It is good time to remember how many germs can live under nails, so keep them trimmed and clean, too.
And on that note: Time to pull out the superhero cape and your best version of “Happy Birthday.”
