A mother and her little child washing hands. Picture: iStock
Instilling the habit of proper handwashing in children is crucial for their overall well-being.
Beyond preventing the spread of illness and infection, this fundamental practice fosters good hygiene and helps children develop a strong foundation for a healthy lifestyle.
Affinity Health examines five easy and effective suggestions for cultivating a habit of handwashing in your children.
Murray Hewlett, CEO of Affinity Health, discusses the significance of handwashing, a practice that many people appear to be underestimating.
“Handwashing may seem mundane, but it’s one of the most effective ways to prevent the spread of illnesses.
“Teaching your kids proper handwashing techniques is essential for their health and the well-being of your entire family and community,” said Hewlett.
Handwashing, a centuries-old practice, has evolved alongside our understanding of hygiene and disease transmission.
It helps prevent the spread of respiratory infections and foodborne illnesses by reducing the transfer of viruses, bacteria, and pathogens from surfaces to sensitive areas and during food preparation.
1. Make it fun with singing
Kids enjoy singing, so you can make handwashing fun by encouraging them to sing a song while they wash their hands. Teach them to scrub with soap for about 20 seconds, the length of a short song.
2. Use visual aids
Using visual aids is a great method to help children grasp the significance of handwashing and its proper steps. You can discover posters or videos online that demonstrate the process of handwashing.
3. Lead by example
Children often learn by watching adults. Show them how to wash hands properly, emphasizing the use of soap and thorough rinsing.
Make handwashing a family activity to demonstrate the right way and to show that everyone should do it regularly.
4. Teach the 5-Step Handwashing Technique
Affinity Health suggests teaching your children the five crucial steps for effective handwashing:
Wet: Start by wetting their hands with clean, running water. Make sure the water is at a comfortable temperature, not too hot or too cold.
Soap: Apply soap to their hands. Encourage them to use enough soap to create a good lather.
Scrub: Instruct them to rub their hands together vigorously. Ensure they scrub all parts of their hands, including the back, between the fingers, and under the nails. This step should last at least 20 seconds, or as long as it takes to sing “Happy Birthday” twice.
Rinse: Rinse their hands thoroughly under clean, running water. Help them ensure that all soap is washed away.
Dry: Use a clean towel or an air dryer to dry their hands. Remind them not to use a towel that has been used by someone else, as this can transfer germs.
5. Reinforce the Why
Help children grasp the importance of handwashing by discussing why it is necessary.
Explain that germs and bacteria, although invisible, can cause illness if they land on their hands and then come into contact with their face, eyes, nose, or mouth.
Frequent Reminders: Encourage your children to wash their hands at specific times, such as before eating, after using the toilet, after playing outside, and when they come home from school.
Hand Sanitiser: While soap and water are the best options for handwashing, hand sanitiser can be used when they are unavailable. Teach your children to use hand sanitiser with at least 60% alcohol content and supervise their use.
Practice Regularly: Make handwashing a routine activity.
Positive Reinforcement: Praise your children when they wash their hands properly.
Explain Handwashing After Coughing or Sneezing: Teach your children to cover their mouth and nose with a tissue or their elbow when coughing or sneezing. Afterwards, they should wash their hands to prevent the spread of germs.
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