Toddlers are at the “perfect time” to teach
We’re constantly checking for useful information about teaching youngsters about the importance of hand washing (and how to undertake this most important of activities well). Anything that will help make the process engaging is what we’re after. And we’ve found some wonderful tips – courtesy of the New Jersey Family website, (one that we’re pretty sure most of our UK readers won’t have come across before).
There are a number of key takeaways from the article by Heidi Borst. There’s all sorts of stuff about when to teach, when and how to wash – and perhaps equally importantly how to make it fun and memorable!
1) They’re never too young to learn!
The article quotes a board-certified paediatrician at Optum Pediatrics who was asked about the best ages to teach hand washing. Basil Bruno, MD’s reply? That parents should set about teaching it “in infancy”, describing it as “the perfect time to teach toddlers the importance of handwashing after playing, when using the restroom, and before meals”.
2) Teach them how long to wash for!
Dr Bruno also stressed the importance of ensuring that kids wash their hands effectively: “handwashing takes at least 20 seconds to prevent the spread of infectious diseases and keep you healthy”.
3) Make it fun!
He also said that the use of songs whilst washing can “make the process fun and engaging” – and more memorable we would suggest. Songs like ‘Mary Had a Little Lamb’ will do the job admirably.
For our final two tips, we head to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidance called About Hand Hygiene as a Family Activity. This work really emphasises the importance of hand washing – and of teaching it well. “Parents and caretakers play an important role in teaching children to wash their hands.”
“Handwashing can become a lifelong healthy habit if you start teaching it at an early age.”
4) Keep on reminding them!
It is important to supervise youngsters, to make sure that the tips you’re passing on are actually being understood. “At first, your child will need regular reminders of how and when to wash hands” says the CDC. Pretty soon, it will become that wonderful habit that we referred to!
5) Show them how it’s done!
“Lead by example by washing your hands” says the guidance, which points out that children learn many of their behaviour patterns by copying what adults do. If teachers, parents and carers show that they’re washing regularly, the activity will become part of a routine for kids.
Children Learning to wash their hands with KiddiWash hand washing units
Mobile hand wash units for children can be used indoors and out
The Kiddiwash range of warm water hand wash units are perfect for smaller hands – and are ideal where a portable solution is required.
Whether you require a larger wheeled unit such as the KiddiSynk, or the ultra portable Kiddiwash Xtra, you can ensure that all children in your care are able to wash their hands whether inside or out.
