Day care programs provide children with immeasurable benefits, from improving social skills to setting the foundation for their education. However, with so many curious kids spending hours every day with each other, germs spread easily and quickly. Ensure your child remains healthy during day care by teaching them the value of hand-washing.

Why Is It Important?

To get children to wash their hands regularly, help them understand why this hygiene practice is so valuable. Hand-washing is one of the easiest ways to stop the spread of germs and keep you and your child healthy. Tell them how touch is one way germs spread. Teach them to wash their hands in running water with soap for at least 20 seconds, cleaning between fingers and under nails.

When Should They Wash Their Hands?

To prevent introducing germs to others and yourself, everyone should wash their hands before and after eating; using the restroom; touching a pet or another animal; visiting friends or family members; and blowing their nose, sneezing, or coughing. Talk to your child about how bodily fluids like saliva and mucous can pass illnesses on to others; that’s why washing away germs helps prevent sickness.

How Can You Get Them Excited About Hand-Washing?

Incorporate simple crafts or games to show them how far germs can spread and how easily people come into contact with them. Have your child color different shapes—representing germs—on a piece of paper. Then, cut them out and tape them on all the items or surfaces your child touches. Plus, there are plenty of songs that you can sing while scrubbing, such as “Happy Birthday;” the alphabet song; and “Row, Row, Row Your Boat.”

If you’re concerned about your child’s hygiene habits during day care, talk to the educators at Wilde Kingdom Early Learning Center in Fairfield, OH, about their practices. In addition to offering compassionate child care, the center also provides preschool enrichment programs to help get your child ready for their academic future. Learn more about their programs by visiting their website or calling (513) 563-9453.