One of the most important ways we can look after the health and wellbeing of young children is by teaching them about handwashing and hygiene. Instilling good hygiene habits early on, helps your child avoid illness and stay healthy.
Why is handwashing important?
Handwashing is one of the simplest and most effective ways to prevent the spread of germs.
Preschool-aged children are particularly susceptible to illness, as they are still developing their immune systems and often come into close contact with other children who may be sick.
By teaching your child to wash their hands regularly, you can help them avoid getting sick and prevent the spread of illness to others.
When should children wash their hands?
It’s important to teach your child that handwashing is not just necessary after using the bathroom.
- They should also wash their hands:
- Before eating or handling food
- After playing outside or with pets
- After coughing, sneezing, or blowing their nose
- After touching shared surfaces, such as toys or doorknobs
How should you wash your hands?
Proper handwashing technique is important to ensure that all germs are removed from the hands. Teach your child to:
- Wet their hands with warm water
- Apply soap and lather for at least 20 seconds, making sure to scrub all parts of the hands, including the backs of the hands, between the fingers, and under the nails
- Rinse thoroughly with warm water
- Dry hands with a clean towel or air dryer
Beyond Handwashing
In addition to handwashing, it’s important to teach your child about other aspects of hygiene, such as covering their mouth when they cough or sneeze, using a tissue to blow their nose, and avoiding sharing cups, utensils, or other personal items with others.
By teaching your preschool-aged child about handwashing and hygiene, you are not only helping them stay healthy, but you are also setting them up for a lifetime of good hygiene habits.
Encourage your child to take ownership of their own health by making handwashing and other hygiene practices a regular part of their daily routine.
We hope this article has been a helpful guide for teaching handwashing & hygiene for young children