In a hustling household, most hours of the daily routine are scheduled with the school, then the homework, extracurricular activities, and family time. Sometimes, out of that busy schedule, small but handy lessons regarding the proper practice of handwashing prove to be lifesaving for a kid. Proper handwashing can majorly reduce the risk of your child getting various infections and diseases. Now more than ever, amidst global health crises, it of utmost importance that you ensure your child knows how to wash his hands really very well.
Handwashing is one of the best ways of preventing the spread of germs and maintaining good health. Proper handwashing defends against illnesses, from the common cold to the most severe bouts of gastroenteritis and hepatitis. Teaching your child proper handwashing helps reduce the spread of bacteria and viruses in your home and community. This easy practice can substantially reduce incidences of illness, which means fewer lost school days and a more healthy and happy home.
It isn't enough to tell your child why they should wash their hands. It is essential for your child to understand how to wash his hands so that he can effectively wash away all the germs. Here are the simple steps to follow:
Moisten your hands: Each time you feel you should wash your hands, use clean running water to moisten your hands.
Lather: Make a lather by rubbing hands together. Be sure to clean the backs of your hands, between your fingers, and under your nails.
Scrub: Scrub for at least 20 seconds. A helpful way of keeping time is to sing the "Happy Birthday" song two times.
Rinse: Rinse your hands well under clean, running water.
Dry: Air dry or pat them dry with a clean towel.
Effective handwashing time that health experts agree on is rubbing your hands with soap while making sure to take at least 20 seconds. You could teach your child that easily by teaching him or her through a song. For example, one might sing "Happy Birthday" twice or any little song. That way, handwashing will sound interesting to them, and surely, it will get them doing it loudly enough to take that duration.
Determination of right times for them to wash their hands is an important process. The key times include;
Before and After meals - One should always wash his hands before eating anything to avoid taking germs in with the food while eating and after having meals to stay clean.
After using the toilet - This is a critical time for washing hands to prevent the transfer of bacteria and viruses.
After playing outside - Dirt and germs from outdoor can often transfer to their hands.
After petting animals: They can spread germs even if they look clean.
After coughing, sneezing, or blowing their nose: This can prevent the spread of respiratory infections.
Before and after helping with food preparation: This can keep the kitchen a clean place to be.
By making these times part of your regular family routine, your child will be able to keep in mind when to wash their hands.
Make it so much fun and interesting that the child would willingly take up the habit. Make handwashing fun by:
Singing songs: Create a family handwashing song, or use popular nursery rhymes to make the 20-second scrubbing time the liveliest.
Use colorful soaps: Let the child have a free choice of a favorite color or scent soap. Fun in shapes and colors makes the process more interesting.
Make it enjoyable: Make a handwashing chart fixed with stickers for every time the child washes his or her hands the correct way. Motivate them to be consistent in maintaining hygiene.
Role-playing: Turn handwashing into a game for little doctors or chefs who need to keep washing their hands before they can get busy with their hands in their profession.
Stories: Share how superheroes or their best characters maintain health by frequently washing their hands.
So through this fun, you could make handwashing go out of a perfunctory routine act to a family bonding happening that will end up imparting one of the most critical hygienic habits.