Teaching Your Child & Family to Wash

Good hand washing is a simple yet important way for everyone to help prevent the spread of illness!

Here are some tips from parents who have mastered hand hygiene to help you teach your child and family:

• Make it Fun: Sing songs, make up a dance, or make funny faces in the mirror while washing hands. “We made up a funny name for the hand gel that we use—we call it ‘alien blood’ and that makes it more fun.”
• Keep it Consistent: Create a schedule for hand washing so that it becomes a good habit and part of your routine. “Every day when we get home from school we take off our shoes, go potty, then wash our hands. My son knows that the routine is to go potty and wash hands before playing.”
• Use Visual Aids: Post a picture of the 7-step hand washing process in the mirror to remind everyone of the different steps! Watch the video together and practice as it plays.