Did you know- that according to the CDC- handwashing can prevent 1 in 3 stomach-related sicknesses and 1 in 5 respiratory infections, such as a cold or the flu, and is the best defender against COVID-19?

Here is what you and your little ones need to know about handwashing:

1.            Help your child develop handwashing skills by teaching it at an early age. Teach kids the 5 easy steps for handwashing—wet, lather, scrub, rinse and dry—and the key times to wash hands, such as after using the bathroom or before eating. You can find ways to make it fun, like making up your own handwashing song or sing a classic, like the ABC song or the Happy Birthday song (sung twice).

2.            Give frequent reminders and be patient, but consistent. Building handwashing skills takes time. At first, your child will need regular reminders of how and when to wash hands.

3.            Don’t be boring! Use our Super Hero printables to show kids that even Super Heroes fight germs by washing their hands. Interactive items like sand timers and scented soaps keep it fun and engaging.

4.            Kids do what their parents do- so make a show of washing your hands regularly. When you make handwashing part of your routine, you’re setting an example for your children to follow. Sometimes parents assume that kids know how and when to wash their hands, but it never hurts to show them how to do it properly. Who knows? They may even remind you someday if you get in too much of a hurry yourself!

Think about all the things you and your children touch every day – tv remotes, door handles, touchscreens, YOUR cellphone (and everywhere it has been) – just to name a few! When these objects are touched, any viruses that are able to survive on these surfaces may be transferred to your hands and then your face.

This is why washing your hands and teaching your kiddos to do the same is so important. For more information, visit https://www.cdc.gov/handwashing/handwashing-family.html.