It’s a simple act—turning on the tap, scrubbing with soap, rinsing, drying—but handwashing has a superpower: it prevents the spread of illness. In fact, handwashing is one of the easiest and most effective ways to protect your child (and everyone around them) from getting sick. Even with all the medical advances and high-tech tools we have today, this basic habit remains a cornerstone of public health.
At COPA, we talk about hand hygiene with our patients often—not just during cold and flu season, but all year round. Helping kids build strong, lifelong habits starts early, and we love partnering with families to make that happen.
Whether you’re revisiting hygiene lessons after a recent bug or starting fresh with a preschooler, here’s everything you need to know about teaching kids to wash their hands—and why it still matters so much.
The Role of Handwashing in Preventing Illness
Germs are sneaky. They’re invisible to the eye and can linger on all sorts of surfaces—doorknobs, toys, tablets, playground equipment, grocery carts. Once picked up on our hands, they can easily enter the body when a child touches their mouth, nose, or eyes. That’s why handwashing is one of the most powerful tools we have to stop the spread of disease.
Handwashing removes:
- Bacteria and viruses that cause colds, flu, COVID-19, RSV, and other infections
- Germs from raw food or contaminated surfaces
- Dirt and grime that can carry illness-causing microbes
- Allergens and irritants that may trigger skin or respiratory reactions
For kids, handwashing is especially important because:
- They’re naturally curious and tend to touch everything.
- They often put their hands (and objects) in their mouths.
- Their immune systems are still developing, so they’re more vulnerable to certain infections.
Consistent handwashing can reduce the number of respiratory infections by up to 21%, and gastrointestinal illness by as much as 31%, according to the CDC. That’s a huge impact for such a small daily action!
When Should Kids Wash Their Hands?
Some key times to remind kids to wash their hands include:
- Before eating or handling food
- After using the bathroom
- After blowing their nose, coughing, or sneezing
- After playing outside or with pets
- After being in public places (like school or the store)
- When they arrive home from school, daycare, or activities
- Whenever hands look or feel dirty
These moments might seem small, but they make a big difference. Making handwashing a part of regular transitions—like coming home or sitting down to eat—helps kids associate it with specific daily routines.
How to Teach Proper Handwashing Techniques
Teaching handwashing isn’t just about telling kids to wash their hands—it’s about showing them how to do it well. A quick rinse under cold water doesn’t cut it! Here’s a simple step-by-step guide to help kids (and grown-ups) get the most from their scrub:
- Wet hands with clean, running water (warm or cold).
- Apply soap and lather well—don’t forget the backs of hands, between fingers, and under nails.
- Scrub for at least 20 seconds. This is the most important step!
- Rinse thoroughly under clean water.
- Dry with a clean towel or air dry.
Not sure how to get kids to scrub long enough? Make it fun!
Try these kid-friendly tricks:
- Sing a song: “Happy Birthday” twice, “ABC,” or “Twinkle Twinkle” lasts about 20 seconds.
- Use a timer: Let your child press a button or flip a sand timer as they start.
- Turn it into a game: “Can you make lots of bubbles before the timer runs out?”
- Use fun soaps: Foaming soap, colored soap, or soap with a silly scent can make it more appealing.
And remember—practice makes permanent. Teaching kids the right way from the start helps build habits that stick.
Common Mistakes Kids (and Parents) Make
Even with the best intentions, it’s easy to develop shortcuts or overlook some of the steps. Here are a few common missteps we see, along with gentle reminders for improving hand hygiene:
- Skipping soap
Rinsing with water alone doesn’t remove germs effectively. Soap helps lift dirt and microbes from the skin so they can be rinsed away. - Washing too quickly
A three-second rinse might feel like enough for a wiggly toddler, but it doesn’t do the job. Encourage kids to slow down with songs, timers, or visual checklists. - Missing key spots
Kids often forget the backs of their hands, thumbs, or under their nails. Use glitter or washable paint in practice sessions to help them see where they’ve missed. - Not drying hands
Wet hands spread germs more easily than dry ones. Make sure your child knows how to dry their hands well—on a clean towel or with a hand dryer. - Grown-ups skipping steps
We get it—life is busy, and sometimes we’re in a rush. But children are watching us. If they see parents and caregivers model good hygiene, they’re far more likely to follow through themselves.
A little consistency goes a long way. And if your child skips a step now and then? That’s okay. Gently guide them back without pressure or frustration.
Reinforcing Healthy Habits in Everyday Life
Once your child knows the basics of handwashing, the next step is to make it a natural part of daily life. Here are a few ways to help the habit stick:
- Build it into your routine
Link handwashing to existing transitions, like:
- “First we put our shoes away, then we wash our hands.”
- “Before we eat snack, let’s wash those hands!”
- “After school, it’s time to wash hands and grab a snack.”
This helps children understand when to wash their hands without needing a reminder every time.
- Use visual cues
For younger children, simple picture charts in the bathroom or kitchen can remind them of the steps. You can also put fun signs by the sink or use colorful soap to make the process more inviting. - Offer positive reinforcement
Kids thrive on praise. Celebrate small successes:
- “Great job remembering to wash your hands before dinner!”
- “Wow, you sang the whole song while scrubbing—awesome effort!”
- Consider using sticker charts or small rewards to encourage consistency for very young children.
- Be patient and consistent
Just like brushing teeth or buckling seatbelts, handwashing is a skill that takes time and repetition. Stay calm and encouraging, even when it feels repetitive.
How COPA Supports Hygiene Education
At COPA, we believe that hygiene is a cornerstone of lifelong health—and it starts with simple habits like handwashing. That’s why we make hand hygiene part of the conversation during routine wellness visits, especially in early childhood when habits are forming.
Here’s how we support families with hygiene education:
- Age-appropriate guidance: Our pediatricians and care team members talk with kids in ways that make sense for their age and developmental stage. For little ones, that might include playful reminders or stories. For older kids and teens, we talk about how hygiene protects them and those around them.
- Wellness visit education: During regular checkups, we discuss hygiene habits, including handwashing, with both children and parents. These visits are great opportunities to revisit or reinforce what’s working—and talk through any struggles.
- Patient materials and visuals: Our offices provide brochures, posters, and resources that support good hygiene habits. If you’re looking for visuals to use at home, we’re happy to recommend tools we love.
- Collaborative care: If a child is frequently ill or struggling with infections, we look at the full picture—including hygiene practices, environmental factors, and immune health—to offer well-rounded care and support.
At the heart of it all is our belief that prevention matters—and that building healthy habits early leads to stronger, healthier kids.
Final Thoughts
Handwashing might feel like a small task, but its impact is huge. It protects kids from getting sick, helps keep schools and daycares healthier, and empowers children to take an active role in their well-being. And it’s something we can all do—right at home, every day.
By teaching our children not just the how, but also the why behind hand hygiene, we help them build lifelong skills that support their health and the health of those around them.
At COPA, we’re proud to be your partners in raising healthy, happy kids. Whether we’re checking in during a well visit, answering questions about a recent illness, or helping with the nitty-gritty of daily routines, we’re here to support your family every step of the way.
And the next time your child proudly sings the “Happy Birthday” song while scrubbing their hands? That’s a small but mighty win worth celebrating.