In light of the recent case of Enterovirus in Southampton Elementary, I had a long talk with my two older children (11 & 7) about the importance of handwashing. This is a talk we have had before, but with a one day school closure and talk of a "virus sickness" my kids paid a bit more attention. How do we make certain that in our absence our children still take the time to wash their hands using actual soap and warm water?
Here are a few tips:
For Young Children, Preschool & Toddlers -
This age learns best with their senses: touching, hearing, seeing, tasting and smelling. Germs cannot be seen, felt, tasted and heard so they need to understand them in a different way. Singing handwashing songs, drawing "germs", and telling stories and reading books about washing and germs.
Help them wash their hands. Let them see you wash your hands. Put handwashing reminders in the bathroom. Everytime they wash their hands reward them until it's a habit. Keep a stool by the sink so that they can reach it easily. There is a great site www.scrubclub.org with games and songs about handwashing that can be really helpful.
For older children, you hope that they have learned the importance of handwashing....but I notice often that if busy, anxious to get back to friends, play or technology - they race out of the restroom and need to be directed back in. There is a site www.glogerm.com that is great for K - 6th grade. There are several science experiments that you can do with your older child to show him or her just how disgusting their dirty hands are. Read articles together that help an older child get just how important it is to wash after using the restroom or eating a meal.
It also hit home for both of them, when I explained that their bad hygiene could make their baby brother sick. I hope that the schools enforce more structured hygiene protocol during this time "virus sickness" and I hope my children hear my voice in their ear and it guides them towards the sink!
