Teaching Kids the Power of Handwashing: A Fun Guide to Help Stay Healthy
Want to make handwashing a fun and lasting habit for your kids? Check out these simple tips to help keep your little ones clean, healthy, and germ-free!
Why Handwashing Matters
Handwashing is more than just a habit; it’s a superhero skill! Tell your kids that washing their hands helps them stay healthy by washing away germs that can make them sick. Plus, when they wash their hands, they’re protecting their friends, family, and classmates from germs, too. It’s all about being a hero!
When to Wash Those Hands
Make handwashing a part of your child’s routine during these key moments:
Before:
- Eating (because food is best served germ-free!)
- Touching their face—mouth, nose, or eyes
- Handling a cut or scrape (so no germs sneak in)
After:
- Using the bathroom
- Touching pets or animals (including giving treats or food)
- Playing on the playground
- Coming home from school
- Being around someone who’s sick
- Changing a diaper
- Touching garbage
- Sneezing, coughing, or wiping their nose
The 4 Fun Steps to Clean Hands
Washing hands doesn’t have to be a chore! Follow these four easy steps:
- Get Soapy: Turn on the water (warm or cold, they’re both good) and wet those hands. Add some soap, rub hands together, and make bubbly suds.
- Scrub, scrub, scrub: Rub your hands together for at least 20 seconds — long enough to sing “Happy Birthday” twice. Be sure to scrub the palms, the back of the hands, and between your fingers. And don’t forget under the nails — germs love to hide there.
- Rinse: Hold your hands under clean, running water. Rub to rinse away the soap.
- Shake & Dry: Shake those hands a few times and dry them off with a clean towel or hand dryer. Clean hands are ready to go!
Optional: applying a gentle, fragrance-free moisturizer to the hands after washing in the winter months to avoid dry hands.
When to Use Hand Sanitizer
Sometimes soap and water just aren’t available. That’s where hand sanitizer comes in! But remember — hand sanitizer works best when hands aren’t visibly dirty or greasy. It’s a good backup when you’re on the go, but soap and water are the top choices when you can. Choose a sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol and follow these steps:
- Squirt: Pour a dime-sized amount of hand sanitizer into their palm.
- Rub: Have them rub their hands together—front, back, and between the fingers — until they’re dry.
Tips for Success
- Lead by Example: Kids learn best by watching you. Make sure to wash your hands before cooking or eating, after the bathroom, and whenever your hands get dirty.
- Be Patient: It can take time for your child to get the hang of proper handwashing. Offer plenty of help and encouragement as they build this healthy habit.
- Remind Them Often: Kids are great at washing their hands when dirt is obvious, but they may need reminders to wash away the germs they can’t see.
With a little practice and patience, your kids will soon be handwashing superheroes — ready to fight off germs!
Dr. Sarah Bourne is a pediatrician with Barton Pediatrics, offering care to infants, children, and adolescents, including well-child checks. Learn more about pediatric services at Barton Health by calling 530.543.5623.
