Our kids keep bringing strange things back home, which are potentially contaminated with millions of germs.

Although our kids don’t usually obey us when we tell them repeatedly to wash their hands before eating, we should keep emphasizing the importance of Hand washing as it is by far the best way to prevent germs from spreading and to keep our kids from getting sick.

How can germs be transmitted to our kids?

• Touching dirty hands
• Changing dirty diapers
• Through contaminated water and food
• Through droplets released during a cough or a sneeze
• Via contaminated surfaces
• Through contact with a sick person's body fluids

When kids come into contact with germs, they can unknowingly become infected simply by touching their eyes, nose, or mouth. Good hand washing is the first line of defense against the spread of many illnesses

How to wash our hands?

• Wash your hands in warm water. Make sure the water isn't too hot for little hands.
• Use soap and lather up for about 10 to 15 seconds (antibacterial soap isn't necessary any soap will do). Make sure you get in between the fingers and under the nails where uninvited germs like to hang out. And don't forget the wrists.
• Rinse and dry well with a clean towel.

When to wash our hands?

• Before eating and cooking
• After using the bathroom
• After cleaning around the house
• After touching animals, including family pets
• Before and after visiting or taking care of any sick friends or relatives
• After blowing one's nose, coughing, or sneezing
• After being outside (playing, gardening, walking the dog, etc.)

If your child is reluctant about hand washing you should try the following:

• Use colorful soap with interesting shapes made especially for kids to make hand washing sound like fun.
• Try correlating the act of and washing with another act which your child likes (for example singing his favorite song)