How to Teach Good Hand Washing Skills to Your Toddler

Most toddlers are all about dirt and we as parents know that dirt brings germs. As parents we have a very important job and that is to teach good hand washing skills to our precious little ones. This is very important because good hand washing skills can mean less germs and less germs can mean your child staying away from viruses and infections.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• a child with dirty or germy hands
• Lots of soap
• a sink with running water

1. 
    
   dirty hands

   First, explain to your toddler in the simplest terms that their hands are dirty and that you will be taking them to the bathroom to wash the dirt and germs away.

2. 
    
   child washing hands

   Once you are in the bathroom, make sure that the child is able to reach the sink, by using a small stool that they can step on. Be sure that you are with your child when they step on the stool and help them if needed. Never leave your child unattended on the stool.

3. 
    
   soap

   Next, show your child how to turn on the water.(If using warm water, make sure you test the water before you let the child put their hands under it). Then give them the soap. If you are using a bar of soap, make sure that the child lathers plenty of soap on their hands. If using soap from a pump, let them get 1-2 squirts of the soap.

4. 
    
   soapy hands

   This is where you start making the hand washing fun. After they have put plenty of soap on their hands, show them how to rub their hands together. Make sure that you show them how to hold their hands downward and rub around their hands, in between fingers, around their wrists and even up to their elbows. While they are doing this, start singing a song about washing hands to the tune of some of their favorite songs, like "Row, Row, Row, Your Boat," or "London Bridges." Be creative when making up your songs, this makes it fun for the child. You can also search the internet to find hand washing songs for your toddler if your are struggling to come up with a song. Just make sure the song lasts 15-20 seconds. This is the recommended time that one should wash their hands.

5. 
    
   child rinsing hands

   Then you are going to show them how to rinse those germs down the drain, using water. Rinse thoroughly until all the soap is gone. Make sure the child looks at their hands to see all the dirt is gone away.

6. 
    
   child drying hands

   Finally, give your child a hand towel or paper towel to dry their hands. Make sure that the child knows to leave the water running until they can dry their hands. Tell them to use the towel to turn off the water and the light switch. Then have them toss their paper towel (if used) in the trash.

Tips & Warnings

• Praise your child for good hand washing!
• Practice, practice, practice daily!
• Make hand washing as fun as possible!!
• A child should never be left unattended in the bathroom.
• Never let your child put their hands under the water until you have first tested it.

[michaelinasmom]

on 10/5/2009 Very important info. My children sing "Old McDonald" while washing their hands.

[makaksa]

on 9/30/2009 Good advice. Handwashing is such an important step in preventing illness.

[msknowitall79]

on 9/29/2009 Great article, and what a good and fun way to teach toddlers to wash their hands. My son is 4 and he is into everything, we are always washing his hands. Thanks for the tips 5*

[lighthouse1958]

on 9/16/2009 I have a granddaughter that hates to wash her hands but a nephew that loves to. Thanks for your tips. 5*

[eac913]

on 9/15/2009 This will work for my students as well.