As a parent, you’re fully aware of the germs your child picks up as they go about their day. From grubby nails to skin that looks like it hasn’t seen water in weeks, these are everyday occurrences. In fact, they’re sure signs of a well-lived childhood. Unfortunately, they also leave your child at risk of getting sick.
That’s why teaching your children how to wash their hands is such an important job. But even if your kids know hand washing basics, you might be wondering one pressing thing – how often should your child actually wash their hands throughout the day? There’s no one set answer, but we’ve put together a guide to help you settle on the number that works for you.
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# 1 – It Depends on What They’re Doing
The ‘right’ amount of hand washing is always going to depend on what your child’s doing. If they’re sitting inside reading a book, then you can probably rest easy with just hand washing after the toilet, or before a meal.
But the same rules probably won’t apply if they’re spending the day outside. That’s because your child could pick up all kinds of germs when they’re in the mud or examining wiggly worms. Time outside in the warmer months can also see your child picking up all kinds of pollen, meaning that more regular hand washing becomes key to managing sinus issues during spring and summer.
So, be flexible, use your common sense, and accept that some days your child will end up washing their hands 5+ times, while other days require a lot less.
# 2 – Washing Thoroughness Makes a Difference
Washing thoroughness should also feature in your decision. Ideally, you should encourage your child to scrub their hands well for a good amount of time (roughly the time it takes to sing ‘happy birthday’). This level of attention means that their hands will be totally germ-free post-wash, and it buys you a little more time between washes.
But, if your child is guilty of simply getting their hands wet and then going on their way, they’ll still have germy hands straight after a hand wash. That’s going to see germs building up a lot faster, leading to the need for another wash a whole lot sooner than they might need otherwise!
# 3 – Are You Using Other Cleanliness Methods?
Nothing really beats a full-blown wash when it comes to hand hygiene. But you needn’t worry too much about rushing to a sink every few hours if you’re also practicing other methods of hand hygiene. For instance, kid-safe hand sanitizers and wipes can all get the worst of germs, pollen, and anything else off your child’s hands means that they probably won’t need a wash while you’re on the go. Just make sure you let them wash properly once they’re back home, especially before meals, baking, and so on.
Enjoy hassle-free hand washing by using these top tips to help you settle on the right hand hygiene approach for your family.
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