|  | Family Health | Childrens Health

Handwashing Steps for Kids

Infections and illnesses are most frequently transmitted by contact from human hands. It does not have to be hand-to-hand contact, either. Germs and viruses can transfer from one hand to a doorknob or light switch, and then transfer from that object onto the hand of next person who touches it. Parents can help protect their children from infections and illnesses by teaching them the proper way to wash their hands.

  1. Start Early

    • Many experts believe children as young as 3 years old are able to understand why hand washing is important. Most 3-year-old children also possess the motor skills required to master the techniques necessary for proper hand washing. Lead by example. Children love to imitate their parents, so demonstrate the proper method for hand washing whenever it is appropriate to do so, such as after the child uses the toilet, blows her nose or before eating a meal.

    Hand Washing Method

    • Provide a safe step stool for children who are too small to reach the sink unaided. Show the child how to turn on the water. Make sure they understand how to adjust the water so it is warm but not too hot to be comfortable. Show the child how to apply the soap to her hands. Demonstrate how to rub her hands together, to rub the backs of her hands and between her fingers. Allow the child to do it for herself and observe to make sure she is doing a thorough job. Show the child how to rinse the soap completely off her hands under running water. Show her how to turn off the water and dry her hands.

    When Your Child Cannot Wash

    • According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), American schoolchildren lose more than 164 million school days each year due to illness. The CDC believes that number could be reduced significantly if children simply washed their hands on a regular basis. Sometimes, it is not possible for a child to wash her hands when she needs to. Soap and water may not be available. In these cases, the CDC recommends allowing children to use an alcohol-based gel to clean their hands. Teach your child to place a small amount of the gel onto the palm of one hand and then rub her hands together making sure to get the gel on the backs of her hands, between her fingers and on her wrists. Train your child to continue rubbing the gel onto her hands until her hands are dry.

Childrens Health - Related Articles