Handwashing is an important practice for maintaining good health and hygiene, especially for children. Teaching children the importance of handwashing not only helps prevent the spread of germs, allergens and illnesses but also teaches lifelong habits that boost their overall wellbeing.
Our food safety experts highlight the significance of handwashing when working with children, outline the proper technique for washing hands, and share tips on making the learning process enjoyable. This article is essential reading, especially if you are serving food to children with multiple allergies.
Here’s how to effectively teach children about the significance of handwashing and make it a fun and engaging experience.
The importance of handwashing in childcare
Germs are everywhere, and children are particularly vulnerable to infections due to their developing immune systems. Handwashing is an essential defence against the spread of germs, especially in settings like schools, daycare centres, and homes where children gather. Proper handwashing can significantly reduce the risk of illnesses such as colds, flu, and gastrointestinal infections. norovirus outbreaks, HFMD (Hand, Food and Mouth Disease), COVID-19, Conjunctivitis, Chickenpox, Pneumonia and Hepatitis.
Young children are considered vulnerable. This is because young children are still developing their immune systems and cannot fight off infections as well as adults. In addition, children under 5 years of age, produce less stomach acid that kills harmful bacteria, making it easier for them to get sick. Strict food safety measures are necessary within Early Learning Centres, Kindergartens and Childcare centres to keep children safe.
Children may not always understand the concept of germs or how easily they can be spread. By explaining that washing hands removes dirt, bacteria, and viruses, you can help them grasp the importance of this simple yet effective practice.
Emphasizing that handwashing is especially crucial before eating, after using the restroom, and after playing outside can reinforce its relevance in their daily routines.
Food allergy management starts with washing your hands
Food allergies are common in Australia affecting around 1 in 10 babies and alarmingly, most food allergy-related deaths when people are eating outside the home.
There’s more to Food Allergy management within a childcare setting than washing your hands but it is a crucial step that cannot be overlooked. Cooks, educators, and any food handlers who prepare or serve food for a child with an allergy must wash their hands beforehand.
When dealing with multiple allergies, the risk of cross contamination is significant. If unsafe food is being served near children with allergies, then building the habit for all children to wash their hands before and after eating helps prevent cross contamination too. This practice also provides peace of mind to nut-free centres, should children be consuming nuts for breakfast (ie. Peanut butter on toast) before they come to the childcare.
Even a tiny trace of an allergenic food can trigger a serious allergic reaction. For those seeking additional training on food allergens, we offer a comprehensive course tailored for Australian childcare centres.
Find out more about this here.
The proper way to wash your hands
Wet your hands, add soap, and rub them together well to build up a good lather for at least 20 seconds. Don’t forget to wash between your fingers and under your nails.
Rinse well under running water to remove the bugs from your hands.
Dry your hands thoroughly on a clean towel for at least 20 seconds. Touching surfaces with moist hands encourages bugs to spread from the surface to your hands.
If no running water is available use an alcohol gel hand rub.
Role model healthy hand washing habits
Let’s be a good example. Start by role modelling correct hand washing techniques and habits around the children at home and within care. Wash your hands before handing food, after going to the toilet, after coughing or using a tissue, changing nappies and use the proper technique with soap and water as listed above. Add visual signs near sinks as reminders for adults and children too.
Especially for Food Handlers, it is important to keep your hands squeaky clean. For a refresher on handwashing, take a look here.
Habits for parents to role model
Consistency is key when teaching children about handwashing. Encourage them to wash their hands at critical times, such as before meals, after using the bathroom, after playing outside, or when they come in from a public place.
In addition to teaching proper handwashing techniques, it’s essential to model good hygiene practices. When children see adults washing their hands regularly, they are more likely to mimic that behaviour. Celebrate their efforts and reinforce the importance of handwashing by praising them when they remember to wash their hands without being prompted.
Make handwashing the first task children do when they arrive home.
Wash your hands together before mealtimes.
Set up a stool to make it easier for smaller children to reach the sink by themselves.
Be consistent and patient. It takes time for children to develop the habit of washing their hands. Once handwashing becomes a regular part of their day, they will practice it throughout their lives.
Activities for parents, educators & teachers to make handwashing fun
Incite children’s curiosity to learn by learning through play. Using children’s favourite characters through songs and posters, science experiments, as well as art and crafts. Yes, even Bluey has a hand washing poster available to download for Bluey fans and families – for real life!
Soap Experiment for children
This quick science experiment teaches the importance of using soap to remove germs. Ideal for children who was very eager to get back to play and skip using soap when washing their hands. Using only simple ingredients, this can used at home with parents, within childcare centres and schools. Let’s make learning about germs fun for all ages.
What you’ll need,
Paper plate
Water,
Pepper
Dish soap in a small bowl
Black marker
Step 1: Draw an outline around the child’s hand with the black marker on the paper plate.
Step 2: Pour some water on the paper plate covering the hand outline.
Step 3: Sprinkle pepper ontop of the water. The pepper represents the germs.
Step 4: Dip one finger in the water and pepper bowl. Notice how the pepper sticks to the finger, like germs do.
Step 5: Place one finger in the dish soap and then place that finger back into the pepper water. The pepper will magically move away from the soapy finger.
Download Soap and Pepper Germ instructions here.
Find the Hidden Germs Activity for children
Children tend to wash their hands if dirt is obvious but often germs can’t be seen. Therefore, teaching children about hidden germs can help them gain a healthy habit of washing their hands after coughing, sneezing, going to the toilet and before and after eating.
What you’ll need.
A white piece of paper
White crayons
Watercolour paints & brush, and
A black marker
Step 1: Using a white crayon, draw stars to create germs all over the white piece of paper. Any piece of white paper will do, or you can download our template here.
Step 2: Using the black crayon or marker, draw around the child’s hand on top of the germs. Kinder-age children and older may be able to draw around their own hand, younger children will need an adult’s help.
Step 3: Allow the child the paint over the outline of their hand using watercolour paints for them to discover the hidden germs on their hands. Dark watercolour paints work best, such as purple, navy, dark green or black. Opening the door for conversations about hidden germs on their hands and the importance of handwashing before eating.
This activity can be used anytime and in conjunction with other learning activities or other interests of the child. Such as, encouraging children to count the number of germs, identifying left and right hands etc.
Tip: Press hard when creating the germs in white crayon or even go over the stars twice to ensure they are easily visible once the watercolour is on top. Dark colours work best, such as purple, navy, dark green or black when using watercolours in this activity.
Download Instructions for the Hidden Germ activity.
Handwashing songs for children
Children love music and rhythm. Create a fun handwashing song or use a popular tune to encourage them to wash their hands for at least 20 seconds, which is the recommended time for effective handwashing
Popular Children’s TV Shows and characters such as The Wiggles, Baby Shark have hand washing songs to help grab children’s attention and learn this lifesaving skill.
Use Storytelling
Share stories or books that focus on the theme of cleanliness and health. Characters who wash their hands or overcome germs can resonate with children and make the concept of handwashing more relatable.
Create a Handwashing Chart
Make a colourful handwashing chart that outlines the steps for effective handwashing: wet, lather, scrub (for at least 20 seconds), rinse, and dry. Display the chart in bathrooms or play areas as a visual reminder of the correct handwashing technique.
Encourage Role-Playing
Set up a pretend play area where children can practice washing hands. Provide props like soap, water, and towels, and encourage them to act out the handwashing process. This hands-on approach reinforces learning through play.
We’re here for you.
Teaching children about the importance of handwashing is an invaluable life skill that can significantly reduce the risk of illness. By using interactive demonstrations, songs, storytelling, and role-playing, you can make learning about handwashing engaging and memorable. By instilling this practice in their daily routines, you help children develop healthy habits that will last a lifetime, ensuring they grow up to be health-conscious individuals who prioritize hygiene.
Together, we can help you keep children safe. We have a range of resources for childcare centres covering food safety, food allergens and nutrition for growing bodies. As well as a range of Food Safety training options and courses to ensure all educators are on the same page for a positive food safety culture. We specialise in all Food Safety matters for Childcare centres, Early Learning Centres, Kindergarten and OSHCs. For more information, reach out to our team.
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