How to Teach Toddlers Hand Washing

Video Transcript

"Have you ever wondered what is the most effective way to teach you toddler how to wash their hands? I am Doctor Donna with some advice on hand washing for toddlers. The most important thing is right off the bat, you need to tell them that it is an important skill that we do. Every single time before we eat, after we use the toilet, from coming in outside. It is really important children know this is a very important hygiene skill. It will help them to prevent from getting ill. One thing that I think you can do is make it easy for toddlers to wash their hands. A lot of times I think parents don't take the time to help their child wash their hands because it is not convenient. There is no little stool. For my daughter we have a little stool at our sink. Where she can stand up and wash her own hands. Make sure that the soap is easy to get to. Show a child how to wash their hands. That may sound silly but a lot of children get carried away putting to much soap. My daughter does it and I have to show her that a little amount will go a long way. Make sure that you make the towel easy and accessible. The other thing that I think is critical is to make sure that they learn. After they wash their hands to clean up the water around the sink. One thing that we use with our daughter when we were potty training is this wonderful DVD. And I know that there is allot of them out there. But this one does a big segment on how to wash their hands. Hand washing is critical. And I think that if you don't teach your child from when they are a little baby that won't learn to do it on a daily basis. Good luck. I am Doctor Donna teaching your child how to wash their hands."