Hand-washing Battles

The Importance of Getting the Reluctant Toddler to Lather Up

By Jacqueline Bodnar

For most adults hand washing is a normal part of our day. It becomes so routine, in fact, that we sometimes don't realize we are even doing it. But for toddlers it can be one of the biggest problems they encounter that day and it can become a big battle for you.

"It's not uncommon for toddlers to say no to washing their hands," says Ashley Porter, a mother from Huntington, W.V. "But most toddlers want to be big kids. I got my daughter washing her hands by saying she does it just like Mommy."

Let's face it, hands are filled with germs, especially the hands of a child. They are on a mission each day to explore their world, and sometimes the things they get into are not exactly clean. The sooner we can get them used to washing them, the better. It's important to keeping kids healthy and not spreading germs to others.

Understanding what causes common illnesses and how to help stop spreading them is key to keeping society healthy.

The more you know about the way germs spread, the more you can teach your children about it. Kids often cough and sneeze their way through the winter months. Unfortunately, this is the most common way that illnesses like the flu and colds are spread. This occurs through what is referred to as "droplet spread," whereby germs move through the air after a person has coughed or sneezed.

When someone sneezes, it can literally send billions of germs flying through the air at speeds up to 100 miles per hour. Once airborne, these droplets often land on the noses or mouths of those around them, leading to the spread of illnesses. Such germs can also be transmitted by touching objects that have come in contact with the droplets – such as desks, doorknobs and elevator buttons – and then touching your eyes, nose or mouth before having washed your hands. These germs, depending on their type, can live on such surfaces for hours.

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