As our children continue their journey into a new school year, we want to ensure that they not only thrive academically but also remain in good health. 

Children are still learning about cleanliness and may forget to wash their hands before eating or touching their faces after they touch various surfaces. So, it’s our responsibility as parents and caregivers to reinforce how hygiene habits protect their own health and the health of those around them. 

Let’s explore some effective ways to teach your child about proper hand hygiene and the power of preventing the spread of germs.

Why Hand Hygiene Matters

Ever notice how kids are more likely to follow instructions when they understand the reasons behind them? Before we dive into the practical tips for teaching kids proper hand hygiene, all parents should communicate the “why” behind this habit. 

Here are some key points to share with your child about hand-washing:

• Preventing Illnesses: Explain to your kid that germs are everywhere, and that some of them can make us ill. Washing our hands helps remove these harmful germs, reducing the risk of getting sick.
• Protecting Others: Teach your child that when they don’t wash their hands, they can unknowingly spread germs to others. By practicing good hand hygiene, your little one is protecting their friends, family, and teachers from getting sick.
• Staying Healthy: Emphasize to your child that staying healthy means they can enjoy school, play with their friends, and have more fun without being sidelined by sickness. Proper hand hygiene is one of the easiest and most effective ways to stay well and keep the fun times rolling.

Effective Hand Washing Techniques

Now that your child understands why hand hygiene is essential, let’s focus on the “how.” 

Proper hand washing is the key to excellent hand hygiene, but it’s important to teach kids the right way to wash their hands. 

Teach your child by using this step-by-step guide to effective hand washing:

• Wet Your Hands: Start off by wetting your child’s hands with clean, running water. It can be warm or cold, whichever is more comfortable.
• Apply Soap: Dispense an appropriate amount of soap onto your child’s hands, roughly the size of a dime. Before your child washes their hands, you can place a dime in their hands for reference, especially if they aren’t sure how much soap to use.
• Lather Up: Show your child how to rub their hands together to create a good lather. Make sure they scrub the fronts and backs of their hands, in between their fingers, and under their nails. 
• Time It: Hand washing should take about 20 seconds, which is roughly the time it takes to sing the “Happy Birthday” song once (or twice, if they sing fast to get it over with!).  If they don’t feel like singing, they can use a timer to help them understand how long they should wash their hands. 
• Rinse Thoroughly: Hold your child’s hands under the running water to rinse off all the soap until no soapy or sudsy residue remains.
• Dry Your Hands: Use a clean towel or air dry your child’s hands. Explain to them that if they are in a public restroom, they should use a paper towel to turn off the faucet and open the door to avoid re-dirtying their hands after they’ve been cleaned.

Lastly, encourage your child to wash their hands after using the restroom, before eating, and when they return home from school.

Beyond Hand Washing: Skin Care

While keeping your hands clean is the foundation of good hand hygiene, it’s also important to maintain healthy skin. 

When we frequently wash our hands, it can sometimes lead to dry and irritated skin. 

Here’s how you can help your child take care of the skin on their hands:

• Use a Mild Soap: Choose a mild, fragrance-free soap that is gentle on your child’s skin. Harsh soaps can strip their skin of its natural oils.
• Moisturize: After washing their hands, show your kid how to apply a moisturizing hand lotion to keep their skin soft and prevent it from drying out.
• Avoid Overwashing: While hand washing is crucial, overdoing it can lead to dryness. Teach your children to wash their hands when necessary but not excessively.
• Cover Cuts and Scrapes: If your child has any cuts or scrapes on their hands, make sure that their wounds are properly cleaned and covered with bandages to prevent infections and help them heal.

Encouraging Proper Hand Hygiene at School

In addition to reinforcing hand hygiene at home, ensure that your child practices effective hand washing habits at school as well. 

Here are some tips for you to communicate with your child about hand hygiene in school:

• Backpack Essentials: Give your child a small bottle of hand sanitizer to keep in their backpack. Encourage them to use it when they can’t access soap and water, such as after recess or after using shared equipment.
• Set a Good Example: Children often imitate their parents, so be sure to model proper hand hygiene at home. They will be more likely to follow your lead if they see you washing your hands!
• Talk to Teachers: Communicate with your child’s teachers and school staff about hand hygiene. Ask them about the school’s hand washing protocols and whether hand sanitizer is available.
• Practice Good Sneezing and Coughing Etiquette: Teach your child to cover their mouth and nose with their elbow or a tissue when sneezing or coughing to prevent the spread of germs to their hands and to others.
• Reinforce Hygiene Etiquette: Remind your child to avoid touching their face—especially their eyes, nose, and mouth—with unwashed hands. 

Teaching your child effective hand hygiene is more than just a way to prevent illness; it’s a lifelong skill that contributes to their overall well-being. 

By explaining the importance of hand hygiene, providing practical guidance on proper hand washing, and emphasizing the importance of skin care, you can equip your child with the tools they need to stay healthy and protect others—all year long.

For more topics related to health and wellness, follow along with our Hospitality Health ER blog! We’ve recently covered related topics in Rotator Cuff Injuries: Tips for Prevention and Recovery and Less Screen Time, More Play Time. For giveaways, updates, and COVID-19 tips, like us on Facebook and Instagram.