Kids can't see them — but germs that cause illness are everywhere! For children, who have less immunity, proper hand washing and food safety are especially important.
Teach children good hand-washing habits — always before and after handling food and eating, and after using the bathroom, touching a pet, combing hair, blowing their nose or coughing or sneezing into their hands:
- Wash hands with soap and warm water, rubbing hands for 20 seconds. (It's good counting practice, too.) And dry hands well.
- Get a safe stool so your child can reach the sink, the faucet, the soap and a towel.
- Practice with your child. Rub a little cinnamon and oil on your child's hands. Watch what happens if he or she doesn't wash hands well. Cinnamon that stays on hands represents germs.
- Be a good role model. Always was and dry your hands properly, too.